How did they fight the diseases such as yellow fever and malaria?

In order to combat diseases like yellow fever and malaria, a variety of approaches were taken in the past:

1. Mosquito Control:

- One major strategy was to control the mosquito population, as these insects were the primary vectors for transmitting these diseases. This involved measures such as:

- Draining stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed.

- Using mosquito repellents containing chemicals like DEET.

- Implementing mosquito traps and insecticide sprays.

2. Screening and Protective Measures:

- To prevent mosquito bites, people used mosquito nets, screens on windows, and long-sleeved clothing.

3. Quinine and Chloroquine:

- Quinine, extracted from the bark of the Cinchona tree, was found to be effective in treating malaria. It was widely used as an antimalarial medication.

- Later, synthetic antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine were developed and became the first-line treatment for malaria.

4. Sanitation:

- Improving sanitation and hygiene practices helped reduce the breeding grounds for mosquitoes and also decreased the risk of waterborne diseases.

5. Vaccination:

- The development of a yellow fever vaccine in the early 20th century played a crucial role in controlling yellow fever outbreaks. Vaccination campaigns were implemented in affected regions to provide immunity to the population.

6. International Cooperation:

- International collaborations and organizations, such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), coordinated efforts to combat these diseases on a larger scale.

7. Research and Education:

- Scientists conducted research to better understand the diseases, their transmission mechanisms, and potential treatments. This knowledge helped improve prevention and control strategies.

- Education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about these diseases, their symptoms, and preventive measures were also important.

Through these combined efforts, significant progress was made in controlling yellow fever and malaria, leading to a decline in their incidence and impact on affected populations.