"Actually I can’t think of any viral epidemic that was successfully controlled in that way. Could you supply a few examples?"
No, because I don't know any specific examples of viral epidemics. When I said 'plagues' I was thinking of the black death etc caused by a bacterial pathogen; the idea of isolation and the word 'quarantine' came about during the 14th century and relates to a 40-day isolation period. The same principles apply, however, as I'm sure you realise. Ships were frequently made to anchor offshore for this period to avoid transmissions from abroad.
I think you'd enjoy 'The Black Death - an intimate story of a village in crisis 1345-1350 by John Hatcher'.
Last edited by: Haywain on Sun 10 Jan 21 at 16:10
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