Cholera and Influenza were most likely the biggest killers of the 19th century, with 3 major cholera epidemics (in 1832, 1848 and 1866) and regular flu epidemics. Cholera affected all ages and was contracted from contaminated water. Influenza affected all ages, especially the weak, and spread through the tiny droplets of moisture in the nose produced from sneezing or coughing.
Tuberculosis was one of the worst diseases, it infected when the bacteria spread in the moisture produced when coughing, and affected all ages. TB affected 15% of the population in the 19th century. Typhoid was another disease that attacked all ages; it was introduced into people when they came into contact with excreta (urine, faeces, and sweat) from a human.
Smallpox had been a major killer of all ages but by 1850 it was gradually being eliminated through vaccination. This shows the work of an INDIVIDUAL, Edward Jenner who created the smallpox vaccine, because he was the success story of eradicating smallpox. In 1840 the vaccine was made free for infants and compulsory in 1853. Measles was attacking children, some overcame the disease but often it could develop into a more serious problem, like pneumonia, severe diarrhoea or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Lung infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia were common; they attacked peopled weakened by other infections. People became so vulnerable to these diseases because they were poor, uneducated about proper health, had low medical support and were living in squalid conditions. The people were so poor they could not afford doctors, or care, but the GOVERNMENT was being lazy and ignorant towards public health. However, in the late 19th century, 1875, the second Public Health Act was passed and this was much more effective then the first because it forced local councils to act on public health. The Artisans’ Dwellings Act was also passed and this enforced purchase of slum housing and rebuilding to better living standards by local councils (unfortunately the act was seldom used).
People were also becoming more aware and through OBSERVATION learnt how to overcome certain illnesses. For example, the connection between contaminated water and cholera was discovered by John Snow, in 1854. He noticed that all the victims of a cholera outbreak in London used the same water pump so he decided to remove the pump handle to see if it had any affect – the outbreak ended.
