"Typhoid Mary" was the nickname given to Mary Mallon in 1907. Born in Cookstown, Ireland, Mallon immigrated to the United States around 1884.
Public health researchers in New York City discovered that Mary Mallon, a stubborn Irish-born cook, was carrying typhoid bacteria despite showing no symptoms of the illness herself.
She was the first person in the United States identified as an asymptomatic carrier of Salmonella typhi. The outbreaks she caused resulted in three confirmed deaths, with some unconfirmed estimates being as high as 50.
Out of fear, she was quarantined on North Brother Island and given the name (Typhoid Mary).
After three years, she was released on the condition that she never work as a cook again. But she reneged and continued working as a cook after changing her name, which led to another typhoid outbreak in 1915.
She was captured again and returned to North Brother Island, where she lived in isolation for 23 years.
After suffering a stroke in 1932, Mallon died of pneumonia on November 11, 1938, at the age of 69.
Mallon's body was cremated, and her ashes were buried in Section 15, Row 19, Grave 55 (S15-R19-G55) at Saint Raymond's Cemetery in the Bronx, New York City. Nine people attended her funeral.
Some sources claim a post-mortem examination found evidence of live typhoid bacteria in Mallon's body.
CONTROVERSY
Her case is a historical example of the conflict between individual civil liberties and public health. Critics say she was treated unjustly and ostracized, while others pointed to her guilt in disregarding doctors' orders after her first release as justification for her long-term quarantine.
Her famous nickname, "Typhoid Mary," has entered the English language as a term for anyone who spreads disease or misfortune.