Venetian Rule and Control of Plague Epidemics on the Ionian Islands during 17th and 18th Centuries

Katerina Konstantinidou,Thalia Sardi,George Samonis,Matthew E Falagas,Elpis Mantadakis

doi:10.3201/eid1501.071545

Abstract

During the 17th and 18th centuries, measures were taken by the Venetian administration to combat plague on the Ionian Islands. At that time, although the scientific basis of plague was unknown, the Venetians recognized its infectious nature and successfully decreased its spread by implementing an information network. Additionally, by activating a system of inspection that involved establishing garrisons along the coasts, the Venetians were able to control all local movements in plague-infested areas, which were immediately isolated. In contrast, the neighboring coast of mainland Greece, which was under Ottoman rule, was a plague-endemic area during the same period. We conclude that even in the absence of scientific knowledge, close observation and social and political measures can effectively restrain infectious outbreaks to the point of disappearance.

Highlights

During the 17th and 18th centuries, measures were taken by the Venetian administration to combat plague on the Ionian Islands
Plague is a zoonotic infection circulating among small animals, usually black rats and their fleas; it is caused by the bacillus Yersinia pestis
We studied the following: 1) total number of registers of legislative bodies of the Venetian Republic (Senato mar and Senato rettori) for 1600–1797 to locate laws dealing with curtailment of plague and organization of health services on the Ionian Islands, 2) daily correspondence of Venetian authorities of the islands with Venice through the proveditori da terra et da mar and senato dispacci rettori, and 3) archives of the Venetian health inspectors regarding the Venetian health policy for the Ionian Islands

Summary

Introduction

During the 17th and 18th centuries, measures were taken by the Venetian administration to combat plague on the Ionian Islands. Decisions on plague control during that period reinforced the idea of public health measures for prevention of infectious diseases, an idea that was previously vague.

Results

Conclusion