AN “ACCURSED PORT”: EPIDEMICS, EVERYDAY LIFE AND FEAR – IN SANTOS (1880 – 1900)

Abstract

This essay analyzes the epidemics that hit Santos between 1880 – 1900, following the intense changes seen by this port city and the spread of epidemics (yellow fever, smallpox, bubonic plague, among others) whose intensity gave it its alias “accursed port.” It discusses, therefore, the emerging sensitivities regarding the daily experiences of epidemics outbreaks, such as fear — here observed as a multifaceted feeling which became omnipresent during the epidemics, swiping the population with contamination and death. The investigation is based on a wide and diversified documentation that includes manuscripts from the Public Archive of Santos, traveler accounts, and local, national and international press.

Keywords
Epidemics; port; fear; biopower; Social Hygiene Mouvement