New York, 1907. Dr Soper, typhoid slayer, undertakes a high-stakes hunt for Mary Mallon, whom he suspects to be an unknowing healthy typhoid spreader.

If he finds her, and proves his case, she’ll be the first such typhoid carrier identified in the English speaking world.

If he doesn’t, the outcome in a crowded city could be lethal.
Dr Soper is determined not to be defeated in his quest to find the Irish immigrant cook, but at what cost to the woman who would become known as ‘Typhoid Mary’?

Exploring the backgrounds of both Mary Mallon and Dr George A Soper, this is a story of ambition, clashing ideals, and radically different worlds - with consequences for all of us to the present.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Direct quotations from Dr George A Soper, where indicated, courtesy of the New York Academy of Medicine. Quotations featured from the National Folklore Collection, University College Dublin, are from the Schools’ Collection.

Series written, presented and produced by Ophelia Byrne

Executive Editor: Andy Martin

A BBC Northern Ireland production. Show less