Lazaretto Island

Lazaretto island (Corfu)

Lazaretto Island refers to several islands historically used as quarantine stations for maritime travelers. The term "lazaretto" itself originates from the biblical figure Lazarus, symbolizing isolation or quarantine. These islands were crucial in controlling the spread of infectious diseases, especially during the times of plague and yellow fever outbreaks. They were equipped with medical facilities to isolate and treat sick passengers and crew from arriving ships before they could enter the main port cities, thus acting as a buffer to prevent the spread of diseases.

History

The concept of quarantine has been around since the 14th century, with the first lazaretto established in the Republic of Venice on an island in the Venetian Lagoon. The idea was to protect coastal cities from plague epidemics by isolating ships, passengers, and goods for a period before allowing them to enter the city. This practice spread across the Mediterranean and later to other parts of the world as global trade increased.

Notable Lazaretto Islands

Several islands have been known as Lazaretto Islands in different parts of the world, each with its unique history and contribution to public health.

Lazaretto of Venice

The Lazaretto Vecchio and Lazaretto Nuovo islands in the Venetian Lagoon were among the first quarantine stations. The Lazaretto Vecchio served as a hospital for plague victims, while the Lazaretto Nuovo was used to quarantine goods and people.

Lazaretto of Dubrovnik

In Dubrovnik, now modern-day Croatia, the Lazaretto Island (Lokrum) was used to protect the city-state from infectious diseases, showcasing one of the earliest and most effective quarantine systems in Europe.

Lazaretto of Philadelphia

The Lazaretto in Philadelphia, established in 1799, is one of the oldest surviving quarantine stations in the United States. It played a significant role in preventing the spread of yellow fever and other infectious diseases from incoming ships.

Function and Operation

Lazaretto islands were strategically located near port cities but isolated enough to prevent the spread of diseases. Ships arriving from infected areas were required to dock at these islands, where passengers and crew could be monitored for signs of illness. Those found sick were treated in the island's hospital facilities, while the healthy were held in quarantine for a period, typically 40 days, to ensure they were not incubating any diseases.

Legacy

Today, many former lazaretto islands have been repurposed or abandoned, but their legacy remains significant in the history of public health and epidemiology. They represent early efforts to understand and control infectious diseases through isolation and quarantine, principles that are still in use today, albeit in more sophisticated forms.