What public health initiative was a direct result of the cholera outbreak in London in 1854?

The establishment of modern sewage systems was a crucial public health initiative that emerged as a direct response to the cholera outbreak in London in 1854. During this time, the prevailing miasma theory indicated that diseases were caused by bad air, but John Snow, a physician, identified that the cholera outbreak was linked to contaminated water. This groundbreaking understanding highlighted the necessity for effective sanitation and clean water supply systems.

As a result, significant reforms were made in urban infrastructure to improve public health. The introduction of proper sewage systems played a vital role in preventing waterborne diseases, as it allowed for the safe disposal of waste and ensured that clean drinking water was separated from contaminated sources. This initiative laid the groundwork for modern public health practices, thereby mitigating the spread of cholera and other diseases that were rampant at the time.