What was a major public health challenge in urban areas during the 19th century?

The major public health challenge in urban areas during the 19th century was indeed poor sanitation and the spread of infectious diseases. Rapid urbanization during this period led to an influx of people into cities, often outpacing the development of adequate sanitation infrastructure. Many urban dwellers lived in overcrowded conditions, where waste disposal systems were inefficient or non-existent, contributing to unsanitary environments.

This poor sanitation resulted in the widespread transmission of infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery. The lack of clean water and proper sewage systems allowed pathogens to thrive, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates within urban populations. The realization of this connection between sanitation and health eventually spurred public health reforms aimed at improving living conditions.

While overpopulation, lack of access to mental health resources, and high infant mortality rates were certainly significant issues during this time, the direct link between sanitation and the spread of infectious diseases made poor sanitation a particularly urgent public health challenge in 19th-century urban settings.