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Review
. 2024 Feb;44(1):64-70.
doi: 10.1007/s11596-024-2831-0. Epub 2024 Feb 23.

The History of Controlling and Treating Infectious Diseases in Ancient China

Cui-Ling Liu #  1 , Tao Zhou #  2 , Liang-Bin Cheng #  3   4 , David Fisher  5 , Khrystyna Pronyuk  6 , Erkin Musabaev  7 , Yi-Ping Dang  8 , Lei Zhao  9
Affiliations
Review

The History of Controlling and Treating Infectious Diseases in Ancient China

Cui-Ling Liu et al. Curr Med Sci. 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Infectious diseases are the common enemies of mankind. In the course of historical development, they persistently threaten human health and safety. Even today, despite the developments in medical science, we cannot escape the fear and suffering caused by infectious diseases. Whether in ancient or modern times, the source of infection, route of transmission, and a susceptible population are the three key conditions for the prevalence and spread of infectious diseases. All factors closely related to these three conditions can affect the prevalence of infectious diseases. China is one of the cradles of world civilization. The ancient people accumulated a great deal of experience and lessons in the long struggle against infectious diseases. In the face of the current threat posed by widespread infectious disease, it is imperative to review and summarize ancient Chinese ideas and health policies on epidemic prevention and control to inspire contemporary efforts in the prevention and control of infectious disease. The combination of prevention-oriented epidemic prevention ideology and traditional medicine provides valuable insights, especially for impoverished and medically underserved regions.

Keywords: Chinese medicine; historical review; infectious diseases; public health.

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