TB Research

Historical Policies, Biological Principles, and Causes of Pandemic of Tuberculosis in the U. S.

Zixi Zhu, Chase Bonday

Journal of Student Research · 2023-08

Abstract

The late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States saw a boom in immigration, which brought with it the unintended consequence of disease transmission. Tuberculosis was one of the most lethal diseases at the time which had significant impacts on both the economy and society. The spread of tuberculosis was exacerbated by the poor sanitary conditions and overcrowded living conditions in urban areas. This paper analyzes the underlying causes of tuberculosis and their relationship to immigration policies and rapid urbanization, critically analyzing the impact of immigration policies, urban public policy challenges, the tuberculosis prevalence connection between Europe and the United States, and the role of medical advancements, hygiene practices, and government regulations in reducing US tuberculosis cases. The history of the spread of tuberculosis in the US can inform future strategies for establishing better disease preparedness and response systems.

MeSH terms

  • Pandemic
  • Tuberculosis
  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Political science
  • Environmental ethics
  • Development economics
  • Medicine