Epidemic holera of 1892 in Penza province

Abstract

Background. The coronavirus pandemic has actualized interest in studying the process of forming a system of anti-epidemic measures, the origins of which in our country go back to the 19th century. The most important incentive to create a unified system of antiepidemic measures during this period was the need to combat cholera epidemics. The purpose of the study is to analyze the activities of various government and public structures at the regional level during one of the most large-scale epidemic cholera in 1892. Materials and methods. To implement the tasks set, comparative historical and statistical methods of analyzing documents of various public administration structures and local self-government bodies of the epidemic period extracted from the funds of the State Archive of Penza Region were used. Results. The methods of organizing anti-epidemic measures carried out in Penza province, the distribution of roles between various structures involved in the fight against cholera are investigated. The effectiveness of the system of anti-cholera measures developed during the epidemic is analyzed. Conclusions. The limitation of the incidence of cholera in Penza province during the epidemic of 1892 was facilitated by the creation by the efforts of state institutions, local governments, the medical community and public organizations of a unified system of anti-epidemic measures, some principles of which remain relevant at the present stage. The insufficient effectiveness of this system is explained by the lack of knowledge about the nature of the disease and the ways of its spread, the lack of the necessary number of qualified medical personnel, problems in the interaction of structures involved in the process of organizing anti-cholera measures.

Keywords

• epidemic
• cholera
• anti-epidemic measures
• sanitary and executive commissions
• sanitary supervision