Mary Mallon: disease, denial, and detention

Abstract

The history of ‘Typhoid Mary’ comprises epidemiological, ethical, judicial, publicity, and individual and societal rights issues that resonate with those raised by contemporary infectious disease epidemics Between 1902 and 1915, Mary Mallon, a typhoid fever carrier, worked as a cook in the New York area. She was associated with several outbreaks of typhoid fever, involving a total of 53 patients, three of whom died. In 1906 alone, in New York City, there were 3467 cases of typhoid fever, and 639 deaths. Mary Mallon's involvement in the problem was minor. However, Mary (‘Typhoid Mary’) was the only carrier publicly identified, and she was quarantined for almost three years. In 1910, she was released on condition that she did not work as a cook, and that she report regularly to the health authorities. She refused to acknowledge her condition and asserted her right not to co-operate with the medical authorities, who lost track of her. Five years later, she was associated with another outbreak and quarantined again. This time she was not released. She died, in custody, 23 years later, in 1938. The aim of this paper is to tell the story of ‘Typhoid Mary’, and to draw the context for her notoriety. The juxtaposition of epidemiology, ethics, justice, and the influence of the media in this 90-year-old history provides discussion opportunities for students, as they address current problems arising from new and emerging infectious diseases.

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