The Struggle Against Infant Scrofula in Siena Between the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

Abstract

Poverty, high population density and unhealthy dwellings in Siena’s historic district accounted for the spread of tuberculosis in its various forms between the mid-nineteenth century and the first three decades of the twentieth century. In this paper, the author relies on statistical data relating to a time span between 1898 and 1935 to discuss the high incidence of scrofula, or tuberculosis of the lymphatic glands, among Siena’s infant population.

The result is a description of the most important actions implemented at city level to prevent tuberculosis and to assist and treat sick children: stays in seaside hospices promoted by Carlo Livi in order prevent and treat poor and malnourished children, the establishment of a Preventorium to accommodate children from families that included members infected with pulmonary tuberculosis, the realization of activities in the green areas of the Fortress on advice of Achille Sclavo. Furthermore, the author recalls the work of great hygienist Sclavo to raise awareness of the hygienic practices among Siena’s population, which was fundamental in the prevention of epidemic diseases such as tuberculosis.