Malta plague epidemic of 1813 begins
- When
- 1813
- Where
- Malta, with Valletta as the allowed locality; Harbour-area settlements: Valletta, Floriana, and the Three Cities of Birgu, Cospicua and Senglea; Malta overall, with Birkirkara outside the harbour area
- Episodes
- 3
The Malta plague epidemic of 1813 began with an importation from Alexandria in late March 1813, attributed to the brigantine San Nicola. The British colonial government introduced containment measures in the harbour settlements, but these proved initially ineffective, and by the end of July 1813 the death toll had reached 1602 people across Malta.
Episodes
- Ineffective Containment
Initial containment measures across the harbour settlements were ineffective due to delayed implementation, unknown causes of the disease, and popular resistance.
- Importation from Alexandria
The plague was imported to Malta from Alexandria on board the brigantine San Nicola in late March 1813, with two further infected ships arriving on 28 March.
- Mortality by July
By the end of July 1813, the death toll had reached 1602 people across Malta, with the outbreak particularly severe in Birkirkara outside the harbour area.
Background and detail
Background. The outbreak originated in Constantinople in 1812 and spread through the Ottoman Empire, reaching Egypt. By January 1813, the authorities in Malta were aware of the plague in Alexandria. The disease was imported to Malta from Alexandria on board the brigantine San Nicola in late March 1813; the 28 March date is attested only for two other arriving vessels, the Nancy and Bella Maria.
Containment Measures. The British colonial government imposed strict measures to contain the plague, but these were initially ineffective. The spread was aggravated because the causes of the disease were unknown, and containment measures were not introduced immediately. Some people resisted by refusing to transfer the infected to government-designated depots.
Early Impact. By the end of July 1813, the death toll had reached 1602 people across Malta. The outbreak was particularly severe in Birkirkara, one of the largest settlements outside the harbour area, whose population had increased by about 3000 refugees fleeing the plague from Valletta. Fearing the disease, a number of foreign business people had left the island by August 1813.
People involved
- British colonial government · Containment authority
- Maltese authorities · Early awareness
Sources
- 1813–1814 Malta plague epidemic Wikipedia, revision of 2026-07-18
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