Austro-Hungarian troops receive vaccinations in the Galicia region, central-eastern Europe, in 1915
At the turn of the 20th century the basics of epidemiology, vaccine development, infection control and aseptic techniques were incorporated into scientific endeavour and medical practice. However, nobody had yet coined the term ‘superspreader’ or referred to large gatherings as ‘super-spreader’ events. Infection control and quarantine measures relied on observing certain signs and symptoms of illness and isolating sufferers from those who were healthy, and there was no recognition that certain people could be carriers of disease without displaying any of the usual manifestations of infection.