William Gorgas

Real World Example

William Gorgas was a U.S. Army physician who played a crucial role in reducing the spread of malaria and yellow fever, particularly during the construction of the Panama Canal. At the time, these diseases were major obstacles to industrial projects, as they caused illness and death among workers, hindering progress. Gorgas implemented sanitation measures like draining standing water and fumigating buildings, significantly lowering disease rates and helping the canal's successful completion. His work paved the way for modern public health practices that continue to protect communities from mosquito-borne illnesses. Today, efforts to control diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus draw on Gorgas's legacy, demonstrating the lasting impact of his methods on public health and safety.