O flagelado é o flagelo? Migração cearense e epidemias de varíola em Belém (1877-1915)

Abstract

This research aims to critically analyze the relationship between migration from the State of Ceará and smallpox epidemics in Belém, in the State of Pará, Brazil, from the second half of the 19th century to the early 20th century. The study seeks to contextualize the discourse of medical authorities and the press on the subject, attempting to unveil the reasons that led these entities to consider individuals from Ceará responsible for the smallpox epidemics. The fragility of these accusations, lacking substantiation, serves as a starting point to comprehend the connection between Ceará migrants and the smallpox epidemics that occurred in Belém during the Belle Époque. The interest in this topic arose from the observation of a certain consensus in the produced discourses, with significant alignment in the government authorities statements, doctors, and the press. This alignment resonated in the historiographical production addressing smallpox epidemics in Belém from the late 19th century to the early 20th century as will be shown later, with Arthur Vianna's thesis from the early 20th century thrived, that was the prevailing approach, becoming commonplace to explain the origin of smallpox epidemics in Belém during that period as a result of Ceará migration. The main objective here is to present the discourse of governmental authorities, doctors, and the press on the subject, aiming to understand its reasoning and potential questionings related to the positions of these entities. Since Vianna, this topic hasn’t been adequately addressed by historiography, deserving proper attention and investigative dedication.