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Typhoid Mary Dies On The Island

Mary Mallon’s legacy is a harsh one. The infections that she caused because of her refusal to believe that she was a typhoid carrier, killed at least three people. However, it’s estimated that she may have been the cause of over 50 deaths as tracking her total impact on public health was mired with problems.

In 1932, Mary was working as a technician on the island when she had a stroke which left her completely paralyzed. She died in 1938 of pneumonia. After her death, an autopsy discovered typhoid bacteria still happily living in her gallbladder. This was 100% proof of her carrier status.