Epidemics Throughout the History

A special issue of Epidemiologia (ISSN 2673-3986).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 382

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Interests: virus evolution; HIV-1; HBV; endogenous retroviruses; epidemiology; clinical virology; medical history
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

“Are we prepared for the next pandemic?” is a cry often heard in modern times. The answer commonly is “possibly”, or “partly”, after which a few scientists are left to the challenge of preparing for a next threat. The ongoing viral pandemics of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, Mpox, and the avian influenza virus H5N1 strain now found in cattle show that global preparedness for novel epidemics is somewhat chaotic at first, with denial often preceding more focused action. When a pathogen is somewhat under control, the next question then is “what can we learn from the crisis to help us prepare for a next one?” The human species and their livestock have suffered a rising burden of infections since Neolithic times, whereby the scale of outbreaks has grown over the last two hundred years or so due to increased travel and population expansion. Descriptions of historical epidemics commonly focus on the most famous ones, namely plague and smallpox. However, countless other epidemics have occurred, for which records exist. Detailed studies of such historical epidemics could assist in recognizing shared patterns, both in the action of pathogens and in the reactions and counteractions of humanity.

With this Special Issue, we hope to encourage submissions that analyze and discuss archival material on historical epidemics, with the aim to learn from them and to prepare for the epidemics of the future.

Dr. Antoinette van der Kuyl
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • epidemiology
  • history
  • pathogens
  • infectious disease
  • societal impact
  • health crisis
  • medical history

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

9 pages, 624 KiB  
Review
From Conquests to Epidemics in 18th-Century South America: A Reflection on Social Resilience and Reconstruction: Review of the Literature
by Jorge Hugo Villafañe
Epidemiologia 2024, 5(4), 706-714; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia5040049 - 22 Nov 2024
Viewed by 250
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This narrative review examines resilience and social reconstruction strategies implemented during the 1742–1743 plague along the Royal Road between Buenos Aires and Lima. The study explores how colonial authorities managed the epidemic and its long-term effects, providing insights into historical crisis management [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This narrative review examines resilience and social reconstruction strategies implemented during the 1742–1743 plague along the Royal Road between Buenos Aires and Lima. The study explores how colonial authorities managed the epidemic and its long-term effects, providing insights into historical crisis management and public health governance. Methods: A systematic analysis of primary and secondary historical records was conducted to identify public health measures, such as quarantines, hospital construction, and administrative reforms. Sources were retrieved from archives and databases, focusing on resilience strategies and institutional responses to the epidemic. Results: The findings highlight key public health interventions designed to contain the epidemic and mitigate its impacts. These included the establishment of quarantines, the construction of temporary hospitals, and administrative adaptations. Religious practices, such as novenas and community prayers, complemented institutional responses. The study underscores the role of colonial governance in adapting under epidemic pressures, illustrating an emergent institutional resilience. Conclusions: The 1742–1743 plague along the Royal Road serves as a case study for understanding the intersection of health crises and institutional adaptability. The review emphasizes the importance of coordinated public health measures and governance in addressing pandemics, offering lessons on resilience and social reconstruction applicable to contemporary health crises. This historical perspective enriches current discussions on crisis management and public health policy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemics Throughout the History)
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