Chapter

Hookworm in the American South
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16:32 - 24:01 (07:28)

Up to 40% of the population in the American South, from southeastern Texas to West Virginia, was infected with hookworm at one point, and it was almost impossible to avoid if you were poor and lived in the South.

Clips
The American South saw up to 40% of the population infected with hookworm, a disease that spreads through accidental ingestion of fecal matter.
16:32 - 19:53 (03:21)
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Hookworm
Summary

The American South saw up to 40% of the population infected with hookworm, a disease that spreads through accidental ingestion of fecal matter. The disease perpetuated a stereotype of Southerners as being unintelligent and lazy.

Chapter
Hookworm in the American South
Episode
Selects: Southerners Aren't Lazy and Dumb, They Just Had Hookworm
Podcast
Stuff You Should Know
Poverty and lack of access to nutritious food, paired with iron deficiencies, led to a widespread anemia crisis in the South during the mid-20th century.
19:53 - 24:01 (04:07)
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Anemia
Summary

Poverty and lack of access to nutritious food, paired with iron deficiencies, led to a widespread anemia crisis in the South during the mid-20th century.

Chapter
Hookworm in the American South
Episode
Selects: Southerners Aren't Lazy and Dumb, They Just Had Hookworm
Podcast
Stuff You Should Know