A Brief Biological History of Quarantine

Quarantine, an ancient practice for controlling infectious disease spread, remains a critical tool in modern public health. This study highlights its historical significance and enduring relevance, tracing its origins to the 14th-century Mediterranean response to bubonic plague. Dubrovnik's innovative quarantine legislation in 1377, balancing commerce with mortality risk, demonstrated its effectiveness when supported by local expertise, financial resources, and community acceptance. While quarantine has proven effective in reducing disease transmission—from human-to-human (e.g., COVID-19) to human-to-animal (e.g., mountain gorillas)—it also carries social and psychological harms, including stigma, economic hardship, and mental health impacts. The research synthesizes historical case studies with modern applications, emphasizing the need for tailored messaging, support systems, and ethical considerations to mitigate adverse effects while preserving its public health benefits.

Ogden, L. E. (2021). A Brief Biological History of Quarantine. BioScience, 71(9), 899–906. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biab075