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13. Typhoid Mary: Victim or Villain

About this episode

'Typhoid Mary' is one of the most recognisable names in 20th-century American history, but the history behind this Irish woman is often lost in sensationalism. Born Mary Mallon in County Tyrone in 1869, she emigrated to the USA, where she enjoyed a successful career as a cook.


However, in 1907, she found herself at the center of a public health scare when she was accused of spreading typhoid fever. In this episode, Damian and Fin delve into the fascinating history of Mary Mallon. What exactly was she accused of, and was she a victim or a villain? Join us as we explore the complexities of her story and its impact on public health and individual rights.


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Sources

DIB Mary Mallon Entry


George Soper. The Curious Career of "Typhoid Mary"


New York American Article that coined the term "Typhoid Mary" via New York Public Library


Book: Judith Walter Leavitt. Typhoid Mary: Captive to the Public's Health




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13. Typhoid Mary: Victim or Villain

Transatlantic: An Irish American History Podcast

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