[Michael Sars and cholera in Manger 1849].

In December 1848, cholera struck the city of Bergen, Norway. During the following months the distant parish of Manger was also affected. The local doctor was among the first victims, and although he survived, he was unable to take part in the fight against the epidemic. Instead, the local priest, Michael Sars (1805-69), took command of the situation. He organized new graveyards, materials for coffins, medicines, a cholera doctor from Bergen, and a local cholera hospital. Some of the peasants who were unwilling to comply with the regulations for burial of cholera victims were reported to the police. Michael Sars left the priesthood in 1854, and was appointed professor of zoology. He became one of Norway's most famous marine biologists.