Lazaretto

Lazaretto is a term that originated from the Italian language, specifically from the word "lazzaretto". It refers to a quarantine station for maritime travelers. Lazarettos were first established in the 14th century during the outbreak of the Black Death and were used extensively during the Bubonic Plague in the 17th century. These quarantine stations were built near or in seaports to control the spread of diseases that could be brought by sailors or through maritime trade.

History

The first lazaretto was established by Venice in 1423 on Santa Maria di Nazareth, an island in the Venetian lagoon. The concept quickly spread to other parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. Lazarettos were typically run by a health officer who had the power to hold ships in quarantine if there was a suspected disease outbreak.

Function

Lazarettos served as a place of isolation for individuals suspected of carrying contagious diseases, particularly plague. They were also used for the disinfection of goods and personal belongings that might carry infection. The length of quarantine varied depending on the perceived risk of disease.

Notable Lazarettos

Some of the most notable lazarettos include the Lazaretto of Mahón on the island of Menorca, Spain, which was one of the largest in the world, and the Lazaretto of Ancona in Italy, which is still standing and is now a museum.

See Also

• Quarantine
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

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