Katherine Marconi
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Maryland was swept by multiple epidemics as typhus, yellow fever, flu, smallpox and other diseases spread through the state sickening or killing adults and children alike. New immigrants with limited immunity had it the worst. In fact, things were so bad, a 17th century advertisement warned new residents to “bring a shovel and a coffin” if they came to Maryland.
A new course from Chesapeake Forum, “Exploring the Long History of Epidemics in Maryland,” will take a look at how the current COVID epidemic fits within the context of the many epidemics that have occurred in the state. Modern technology has kept us connected through the COVID lockdowns. Imagine living through this without the benefit of today’s technology and science. Learn how epidemiologists described these epidemics, discuss their impact on local society and find out how Marylanders responded to them.
Instructor Katherine Marconi, Ph.D., MS, recently retired from the University of Maryland Baltimore, where she taught global health and epidemiology. She received her doctorate from George Washington University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Most of her public health career was spent in the federal and Pennsylvania State governments, where she worked in global and domestic HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care; and chronic diseases. She has published numerous articles and book chapters on public health topics. She edited, “Big Data and Health Informatics,” published by Auerbach. One of her passions is translating complex information into understandable concepts to improve public health.
“Exploring the Long History of Epidemics in Maryland” is one (1) session, September 21st from 1-2:30 PM, $15. To register for this and other Chesapeake Forum classes, visit https://chesapeakeforum.org. The Chesapeake Forum is a nonprofit dedicated to providing continuing education on the Eastern Shore. If you would like to receive the Chesapeake Forum’s monthly newsletter, please email to [email protected] with your name and preferred email.
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