Watch Rampant: How A City Stopped A Plague

Rampant: How a City Stopped a Plague is a documentary series produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. It chronicles the devastating outbreak of pneumonic plague that occurred in the city of Surat in India in 1994, and the remarkable efforts of the city's people to contain and combat the epidemic.

The series begins with an introduction to the city of Surat and its inhabitants. Considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, Surat is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture. However, in early 1994, the city was hit by a mysterious and deadly illness that would soon become known as pneumonic plague.

The documentary then delves into the critical early days of the outbreak, when the medical community struggled to understand the nature of the disease and how it was spreading. Plague is one of the oldest and deadliest diseases known to human history, but it had never been seen in Surat before.

The series highlights the many obstacles that local doctors and health workers encountered as they raced to save lives and contain the outbreak. Among the most significant difficulties were a lack of resources and funding, limited hospital capacity, and widespread panic and misinformation among the city's residents.

Despite these challenges, the people of Surat refused to give up. The documentary showcases the incredible grassroots effort that emerged in the wake of the outbreak, as ordinary citizens banded together to help each other and fight the disease.

Viewers will see how community leaders, NGOs, and government officials worked together to provide vital medical supplies and care to those affected by the plague. They will also witness the remarkable bravery of medical workers who risked their own lives to help others.

A central figure in the series is Dr. D. T. Mourya, the head of the National Institute of Virology in Pune, India. Dr. Mourya was a key player in the efforts to contain the outbreak, and he shares his insights and experiences throughout the documentary.

In addition to showcasing the human aspect of the story, Rampant: How a City Stopped a Plague also examines the science behind plague and the various types of treatments that were used to combat the disease. The series includes interviews with leading medical experts, who explain the complexities and challenges of treating such a deadly and ancient illness.

Overall, Rampant: How a City Stopped a Plague is a gripping and informative documentary series that provides a powerful window into a major public health crisis. The series is filled with harrowing accounts of survival and heroism, as well as expert analysis of the disease and its treatment. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in public health, medical history, or the resilience of the human spirit.