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cover of episode Typhoid Mary | Cook, Carrier, Captive | 3

Typhoid Mary | Cook, Carrier, Captive | 3

2025/7/2
logo of podcast American History Tellers

American History Tellers

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A journalist visits Mary Mallon on North Brother Island, where she is held in isolation. Mallon, appearing healthy, describes her confinement and insists she is innocent of the charges against her. The reporter recognizes the newsworthiness of her story.
  • Mary Mallon's isolation on North Brother Island
  • Her claims of innocence
  • The journalist's intention to publish her story

Shownotes Transcript

In 1906, a New York health department investigation into an outbreak of typhoid fever led to the discovery that a cook, Mary Mallon, was an unsuspecting ""healthy carrier"" of the deadly bacteria. This discovery forever altered Mallon’s life, thrusting her into a national spotlight as the infamous ""Typhoid Mary.""

In this episode, Lindsay is joined by Dr. Seema Yasmin, clinical assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University and former Epidemic Intelligence Service officer. Dr. Yasmin discusses how Mary Mallon became a target of public health authorities and a symbol of the clash between individual rights and public safety.

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