'War against the mosquito': Allies, Italians and malaria during the occupation of Puglia, 1943–1946. Issue 5 (20th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Outterside, Amy
• Is Part Of: Journal of modern Italian studies. Volume 22:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 571
• Page End: 586
• Publication Date: 2017-10-20
• Subjects: Malaria -- Allies -- Italians -- health -- civilians -- Second World War; Italy -- History -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Italy -- History -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Italy -- Civilization -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Italy -- Civilization -- 19th century -- Periodicals; 945.091
• DOI: 10.1080/1354571X.2017.1389521
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-571X

Abstract

Abstract: War and healthcare are inextricably linked. In fact, the prevalence of disease in the armed forces can inflict more damage than the enemy. The case of endemic malaria during the Italian campaign of 1943–1945 in the Second World War is an excellent example. The region of Puglia was one of the most malarial regions in Italy and provides a noteworthy case of Anglo-American endeavours to eliminate the mosquito during the Second World War. The high prevalence of endemic malaria in the area represented a substantial threat to the health of Allied forces and as a result to the Allied war effort. This article explores Allied efforts to protect both Italian civilians and Allied troops from malaria, in order to demonstrate how Allied health policies affected the Allied–Italian relationship.