TRIVIA: Where did the word 'quarantine' come from?
The word 'quarantine' is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as 'a state of enforced isolation' or the 'restraint upon the activities or communication of persons or the transport of goods designed to prevent the spread of disease or pests.'
This is exactly what most people are doing now that the Coronavirus Disease has officially become a pandemic. But, have you ever wondered why they call it 'quarantine' and how was this practice born in the first place? If you're curious, then scroll down and continue reading.
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The term 'quarantine' was first coined during the time of the Black Death, also known as The Great Bubonic Plague, which was the beginning of the centuries-long bubonic plague pandemic. The Black Death began spreading in Europe in 1347 and in a matter of four years, had killed approximately 200 million people.
Although science was not yet that advanced at the time, and people lack complete understanding as to how the disease spreads and how to stop it, they had an inkling that proximity played a role in its transmission. So, officials in the port city of Ragusa in Italy ordered to isolate newly arrived sailors until they can prove that they don't have the plague.
Source: Wikipedia
Sailors were instructed to isolate themselves on their ships for 30 days upon the arrival. This was later on called in Venetian law as a trentino. Over time, they increased the number of required days to 40 or quarantino. This practice is called 'quarantena' in Italy, which means 'quarantine of a ship'. And it was from the Italian word 'quarantena' that the English equivalent 'quarantine' was derived.
Up to this day, the practice of quarantining is still done whenever an epidemic or pandemic occurs.