"In No. 1 of this street the cholera first appeared seventeen years ago, and spread up it with fearful virulence; but this year it appeared at the opposite end, and ran down it with like severity"

This quote by Henry Mayhew explains the spread of cholera in a particular street. He points out that seventeen years ago, the illness first appeared in the street and quickly spread out with great strength. However, this year, the illness appeared at the opposite end of the street and spread down it with the exact same seriousness. This shows that the illness has a cyclical nature and can strike at any point in the street. It likewise highlights the importance of taking preventative procedures and being vigilant in monitoring the spread of illness. Mayhew's words act as a suggestion of the devastating impact of cholera and the requirement for constant caution in preventing its spread.