Plague, a highly infective disease caused by Yersinia pestis (Proteobacteria: Enterobacteriales), ravaged Europe from 1347 over the course of more than 450 years. During the Italian Plague (1629–1631), the disease was rampaging in the entire Northern Italy down to Tuscany, but the city of Ferrara was relatively spared, in spite that the economic activities were maintained with highly affected cities, such as Milan, through the relevant salt commerce. The aim of the study is to evaluate the hygiene rules that were effective in preventing the spread of the plague in Ferrara in 1630, by examining historical documents and reports. According to these documents, a kind of empirical “integrated disease management” was carried out, using remedies including compounds with bactericidal, anti-parasite and repellent activity, and by technical strategies including avoidance of possible plague carriers. The anti-plague remedies and technical strategies used in ancient Ferrara are critically analysed using a multidisciplinary approach (pharmaceutic, medical, epidemiologic and entomological) and compared to current prevention protocols.

Empirical “integrated disease management” in Ferrara during the Italian plague (1629–1631)

Vicentini C. B.
Primo
;
Manfredini S.
Secondo
;
Mares D.;Scapoli C.;Chicca M.
Penultimo
;
Pezzi M.
Ultimo
2020

Abstract

Plague, a highly infective disease caused by Yersinia pestis (Proteobacteria: Enterobacteriales), ravaged Europe from 1347 over the course of more than 450 years. During the Italian Plague (1629–1631), the disease was rampaging in the entire Northern Italy down to Tuscany, but the city of Ferrara was relatively spared, in spite that the economic activities were maintained with highly affected cities, such as Milan, through the relevant salt commerce. The aim of the study is to evaluate the hygiene rules that were effective in preventing the spread of the plague in Ferrara in 1630, by examining historical documents and reports. According to these documents, a kind of empirical “integrated disease management” was carried out, using remedies including compounds with bactericidal, anti-parasite and repellent activity, and by technical strategies including avoidance of possible plague carriers. The anti-plague remedies and technical strategies used in ancient Ferrara are critically analysed using a multidisciplinary approach (pharmaceutic, medical, epidemiologic and entomological) and compared to current prevention protocols.
2020
Vicentini, C. B.; Manfredini, S.; Mares, D.; Bonacci, T.; Scapoli, C.; Chicca, M.; Pezzi, M.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
1-s2.0-S1383576919303976-main.pdf

solo gestori archivio

Descrizione: versione editoriale
Tipologia: Full text (versione editoriale)
Licenza: NON PUBBLICO - Accesso privato/ristretto
Dimensione 4.56 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
4.56 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia
Postprint11392_2416094.pdf

accesso aperto

Descrizione: post print
Tipologia: Post-print
Licenza: Creative commons
Dimensione 2.54 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
2.54 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11392/2416094
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 3
  • Scopus 9
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 4
social impact