Final answer:
The filth and odors that can cause epidemics in large cities are often referred to as miasma, which is a concept originating from the belief that diseases were caused by 'bad air' from decomposing waste.
Step-by-step explanation:
The filth and odors from sewage and garbage, sometimes referred to as miasma, cause the epidemic that can plague large cities. Miasma refers to the belief that diseases could be caused by the 'bad air' emanating from rotting organic matter. In historical urban settings, poor sanitation and the consequent buildup of waste in open sewers as well as in water bodies contributed to the prevalence of diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, typhoid, and typhus. The Great Stink of London in 1858 is a notable example where the overpowering smell from the Thames River due to sewage waste prompted action from the government. Improvements in urban planning, such as sewage pumping systems and better sanitation infrastructure, were introduced in many cities to combat these life-threatening conditions.
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