Persecution of ‘Typhoid Mary’

Sir, – Arminta Wallace's account of the persecution of "Typhoid Mary" recalls a dismal episode in the history of public health which has echoes today (Irish Connections, June 24th).

Mary Mallon described her situation well: “I am an innocent human being. I have committed no crime and I am treated like an outcast – a criminal. It is unjust, outrageous, uncivilised. It seems incredible that in a Christian community a defenceless woman can be treated in this manner.”

During her 25-year confinement, 400 other healthy carriers of typhoid were identified in New York, but not one was forcibly detained or victimised.

Why was she subject to such prejudice?

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Probably because she was guilty of being a woman, being Irish, having a fiery temper and – worst of all – of not listening to doctors.

Stigmatisation of victims has been the norm for millennia with leprosy. Recently, it has flared up with HIV, SARS and Ebola. – Yours, etc,

Dr JOHN DOHERTY,

Gaoth Dobhair,

Co Dhún na nGall.