Cholera is one of the classical diseases in the history of epidemiology. John Snow’s seminal work of cholera epidemics in London (between 1820s and 1850s) marked a paradigmatic shift in epidemiological thinking for several reasons: i) a rational approach to the social determinants, ii) inductive logic based on detailed and accurate descriptive data, and, iii) for the first time, the right action for the right reasons (in contrast to miasmatic theories). Subsequent shifts in analytical approaches, fuelled in part by epidemiological transition, have established a far more statistical approach as the gold standard of evidence-based medicine, based on individual determinants.
Urbanising Cholera is a revival of the eco-social approach in examining the social determinants of cholera and deals with different aspects of the problem. Taking a public health perspective, the study gives a giving a social epidemiological account of cholera with a focus on the urban poor.
This book would be of interest to historians of public health, urban health practitioners including local self-government organizations and urban planners. |
