When did scientists discover how cholera was spread?

The discovery and understanding of how cholera was transmitted came about through several important scientific advancements during the 19th century. Here's a timeline of key events leading up to the revelation:

1. 1849: English physician John Snow studies a cholera outbreak in London. He collects data and maps cases, noticing that they are clustered around the Broad Street pump.

2. 1854: Italian anatomist Filippo Pacini identifies and describes the comma-shaped bacterium that causes cholera, although its role in transmission is not yet understood.

3. 1855: Snow publishes his "On the Mode of Communication of Cholera," providing evidence that cholera is transmitted through contaminated water and highlighting the importance of hygiene and clean drinking water.

4. 1865: French biologist Louis Pasteur demonstrates that microorganisms are capable of causing disease, supporting Snow's theory.

5. 1883: German physician Robert Koch isolates and identifies the cholera-causing bacterium, Vibrio cholerae.

6. 1885: Spanish scientist Jaime Ferrán conducts experiments on human volunteers, demonstrating that consuming water containing Vibrio cholerae can cause cholera.

These scientific investigations and breakthroughs ultimately led to the understanding of how cholera is spread, paving the way for improved sanitation and public health measures to control and prevent cholera outbreaks.