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Period: to
Evolution of Epidemiologist
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John Graunt established the field of epidemiology
John Graunt established the field of epidemiology by publishing a landmark analysis of mortality data. The publication was the first to quantify patterns of birth, death and disease occurrence, noting disparities between males and females, high infant mortality, urban/ rural differences, and seasonal variations, therefore establishing the field of epidemiology . Graunt brought to light a diversity of facts about human life and disease that had not been taken seriously (Kuller, 2016). -
Invention of a more prevalent Microscope
Anton van Leeuwenhock advanced, developed, and perfected the use of the microscope. He was the first to effectively apply the microscope in the study of disease and medicine. He made contributions to epidemiology through microbiology by discovering "animalcules." This influenced advances in the control of diseases for all epidemiologist. With his new and improved microscopes he was able to see and describe bacteria (Jones & Bartlett). -
Diet and Disease of Man
In the 1700's armies lost more men to disease than to the sword. James Lind, a Scottish naval surgeon, focussed on illnesses in certain populations. He observed the effect of time, place, weather, and diet on spread of disease. the epidemiologic contributions of Lind were many, Lind participated in the effect of diet and disease, but made clinical observations, used experimental design, observed population changes and their effect on disease and considered sources of disease (Jones & Barlett). -
Father of field Epidemiology
Mid 1800 John Snow was conducting a series of investigations in London of cholera outbreaks, both to discover the cause of disease and to prevent its recurrence. When an epidemic of cholera erupted in the Golden Square of London. He began his investigation by determining where in this area persons with cholera loved and worked, marking each residence on a type of map called a spot map. He realized that the disease was from contaminated water pipes and pumps (Snow J. Snow 1936). -
Bacteriological era has begun!
Hermann Biggs and Jean Dubos pointed out that filth and poor hygiene were the primary causes of contagious disease and microorganisms were only byproducts of disease. Biggs was quick to realize the effect of "the germ theory." In 1889 Biggs was able to get the Health Department publish and distribute a leaflet, which was the first leaflet ever published for distribution among the general public. This leaflet was distributed to epoch tuberculosis education (Aloia, 2015). -
Ross fights Malaria
In 1892, Ross started taking an interest in malaria due to the findings of Charles Laveran. Ross was shown that malaria parasites exist in the blood. Ross found that there were parasites in the stomach of a mosquito. He also observed that malaria was prevalent in areas with large mosquito populations. Ross helped with the first major public health contribution and by 1896 he wrote that malaria was spread by the bite of the female mosquito (Annunciations. Rev. Public Health, 1980). -
Abraham Lilienfeld- First chairman of the Department of Chronic Diseases of Public Health
Later he took the chair of epidemiology and debated on the relevance of chronic disease epidemiology compared with that of infectious disease epidemiology. Lilienfeld noted that studies could be evaluated using longitudinal studies, biological pathways, and experimental or clinical trials. These studies helped researchers determine the specific etiologies of the diseases. He also noted that these specific etiologic agents could reduce future diseases (Kuller, (2016). -
Vaccinations
A federally coordinated vaccination program was established through the passage of the Vaccination Assistance Act-landmark legislation that has been renewed continuously and now supports the purchase and administration of a full range of childhood vaccines. The success of vaccination programs in the US and Europe inspired the 20th century concept of "disease eradication"- the idea that a selected disease could be eradicated from all human populations through global cooperation (CDC., 1999). -
The Outbreak of Meningitis
In Feb, 2009, when 2 fatal cases of meningitis occurred at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, an Army training center, it was time for disease detective to get to work. The investigation would identify the cause of the outbreak and lead to interventions to prevent further cases of the disease. Epidemiologist collected data on symptoms, past medical history, lab tests, exam findings, and recent treatments that trainees and staff had received (Dawood et al, 2011). -
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a potentially fatal disease that is of great global public health concern
The Coronavirus is one of the major pathogens that primarily targets the human respiratory system. Extensive measures to reduce person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 have been implemented to control the current outbreak. Special attention and efforts to protect or reduce transmission should be applied in susceptible populations including children and elderly people. Epidemiologist are working hard to figure out how to control the spread of this fatal disease (CDC, 2020).
