Renaissance model of an epidemic with quarantine

► A susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model with inclusion of quarantine. ► We examine an epidemic of syphilis in Europe during the 16th century. ► The carrying capacity of quarantine facility can be used to control the epidemic. ► False positives can present an impediment for success of quarantine strategies. ► Imbalance in the sex ratios can alter success of quarantine strategies.