Mauritius’s history has been profoundly shaped by epidemic disease. From colonial smallpox to outbreaks of cholera and malaria, these crises influenced demographics, health policies, and the very fabric of society.
Smallpox and Early Quarantine Measures
Smallpox emerged as a frequent scourge during French colonial rule. Ships arriving from Europe or India often carried the disease, leading to outbreaks among soldiers, enslaved people, and settlers. In response, authorities introduced maritime quarantine and before disembarkation, ships were disinfected, anchored at Belle Buoy, and their passengers temporarily confined. In 1792, a quarantine station was established on Tonneliers Island to isolate cases and control spread.
19th-Century Cholera and the Plight of Indentured Labourers
Following the abolition of slavery, indentured labourers arrived in large numbers under dire conditions. Epidemics of cholera struck repeatedly in 1854, 1856, 1859, and 1861, often spreading via crowded ships or through inadequate sanitation in Port Louis. In 1856, two ships, the Hyderee and Futteh Mubarac, were diverted to Flat Island and Îlot Gabriel amid fears of cholera among passengers. Many suffered from dysentery and malnutrition rather than cholera, yet over 200 deaths occurred.
A Devastating Combination: Malaria and Urban Risks
Between 1866 and 1868, malaria swept across the island, compounding existing public health challenges. The prevalence of smallpox, cholera, and fever highlighted the urgent need for medical reform. Quarantine stations were established across several islands, including Île Plate, Gabriel Island, and Pointe aux Canonnier, to isolate the ill and prevent further spread.
Spanish Influenza and the Toll of 1919
The Spanish influenza of 1918–19 devastated Mauritius. Two ships—Beira and Orénoque—arrived with infected passengers; the latter was not quarantined, allowing the virus to spread rapidly. By May 1919, more than 7,000 deaths were recorded in Port Louis alone in a single month. Estimates for the three-month period ranged between 12,860 and over 15,000 deaths—an enormous toll on the island’s population.
Legacy: Shaping Health Infrastructure and Society
These epidemics prompted the establishment of medical infrastructure and public health systems. Quarantine stations, vaccination mandates, and health regulations became part of colonial policy. They also left a lasting legacy on Mauritian society, highlighting societal inequalities and the need for improved sanitation, care, and resilience.
