Anti-epidemic measures during the First World War: a regional aspect (case of Arkhangelsk province)

Relevance. Anti-epidemic support of the rear in the wartime is an important component of the health of civilians and military personnel, as well as a guarantee of the implementation of defense measures, since the risk of emergence and rapid spread of infectious diseases in such circumstances increases.

Intention – to analyze the efforts of the authorities and medical community regarding the anti-epidemic prevention (based on a concrete example of the Arkhangelsk province during the First World War).

Methodology. The article is based on original archival sources kept in the State Archive of the Arkhangelsk region, in the funds of the medical department of the Arkhangelsk provincial board of the Arkhangelsk province and the health department of the Arkhangelsk town executive committee, which are correspondence on issues of sanitary and medical nature, reports of medical inspectors, reports on the epidemic situation in the province in 1914–1917.

Results and Discussion. A system of interaction between central and regional authorities is presented. Specific practical measures aimed at preventing the spread of epidemics are analyzed. This work was carried out in several directions. A strict sanitary and epidemiological control was carried out regarding vulnerable groups of the population (first of all, numerous workers engaged in construction of defense facilities). Outbreak response measures were developed. For the same purposes, preventive measures were taken in Arkhangelsk and in all counties of the province, preparatory work was carried out to deploy quarantine barracks, if necessary.

Conclusion. The material presented in the article shows that during the First World War the efforts of the state apparatus, local authorities, public and community initiative managed to keep under control the sanitary and medical situation and prevent its negative scenario. The epidemiological disadvantage of the following years is explained by the destruction of the state apparatus and aggravation of social problems due to the Revolution and the Civil War.

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