Social and Medical Constructions of Medieval Leprosy and Plague

Social and Medical Constructions of Medieval Leprosy and Plague

Introduction

The most destructive pandemic in the history of Europe was a bubonic plague that ravaged the Old World between 1348 and 1361, and can be given the name "black death." In addition, continue calling this epidemic, reserving the name plague other pests, such as the London of 1665. As in, the middle Ages as simple diseases like those that colds were fatal to people from poor hygiene, knowledge of medicine and q are carelessly took for the disease among other things. One of the most terrible diseases of this period was the Black Death, which caused such an epidemic at that time stated that they had barely alive to bury the dead, since it took over one third of Europe's population.

Discussion and analysis

Comparison between Leprosy and Plague

Leprosy may be one of the oldest and most interesting diseases on our planet. Its origin predates the written historical record and testimony about it remain today are very vast. From Galen to Jack London, through the Bible, has been the inspiration for legends, stories, fears and lies. However, it is perhaps in medieval Europe where leprosy takes its greatest historical and medical importance.

Contrary to popular belief, the Middle Ages was a time full of unhealthy and disease. In fact, diseases that had caused major epidemics in the past, includes the bubonic plague (the plague of Justinian) and measles. They had entirely disappeared after the fall of the Roman Empire following the fall of large urban areas and at both the possibility of contagion masons. Thus, the leprosy, a disease of long duration, has been the most important disease of the middle ages, indicates that health conditions in Europe had improved.

As mentioned, the word "plague" refers to the characteristic bubo or enlarged lymph nodes. This pest is typical of rodents and passed from rat to another rat by fleas, flea bites an infected rat and, engulfs the bacillus along with blood, this bacillus can remain in the gut of the animal for three weeks and when it bites another animal or person spits it infects.

Today we know that leprosy is a chronic disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae, discovered by Gerhard Hansen Armauer XIX. Late Leprosy is a rare disease (95% of the world's population is immune to infection) with symptoms take many years to manifestos. When present, however, are very cumbersome and destructive for patients. These include the formation of nodules, leonine facies, and loss of sensation in the limbs, joint deformities (preacher's hand) and even blindness and paralysis facial. The low infectivity and long latency of onset of symptoms, coupled with the dominant religious and magical beliefs in medieval society, explaining that the lepers can be separated from the community and that their disease can be considered as dirty and impure: a punishment from God.

Leprosy and Identity in Medieval Rouen

Leprosy (Hansen's disease) can be described as the disease of the middle Ages, and my ...