back when people still thought disease was caused by miasma

As opposed to now where you're expected to wear a mask everywhere you go because of the COVAIDS that's everywhere at all times? But I digress.

It's funny how people claim the settlers knew enough about epidemiology to engage in biological warfare while at the same time stupid enough to not know the importance of washing their hands. Though, it's funny considering the existence of soap has been around (and hardly changed) since Babylonian times.