History of quarantine

The history of quarantine dates back to ancient times when the concept emerged as a method to control the spread of infectious diseases. In the 14th century, during the Black Death, ships arriving in Venice were kept away for 40 days (“quaranta giorni”) to prevent contamination. Over centuries, quarantine evolved into organized health measures, especially during cholera and plague outbreaks. Advances in medicine and public health have refined quarantine practices, making them vital tools in managing contagious diseases like tuberculosis, influenza, and COVID-19. Today, quarantine remains a key strategy to protect populations and prevent disease transmission.