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?
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.