Constructing the Outbreak: Epidemics in Media and Collective Memory

Media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception during epidemics, influencing not only the dissemination of information but also reflecting societal prejudices and political agendas. Analyzing seven significant outbreaks over two centuries, Katherine A. Foss explores how journalism and medicine intersect to frame narratives about disease. Each case study reveals the complexities of historical context, including colonization and war, while connecting past events to contemporary health debates, such as vaccine hesitancy, ultimately highlighting what is remembered and what is overlooked in our understanding of epidemics.