The municipal government of Dénia in the 17th century had to make sure that the population, of about 2,400 inhabitants, had at least two doctors, two surgeons and a pharmacist. In case of epidemics, the gates of the wall were guarded to prevent the entry of sick people.
It also ensured that the cemetery was sufficient and that the poor were paid for their burial out of charity.
The supply of good water and the cleaning and repair of the streets completed the functions of health and cleanliness.
At that time there was also a saludador (greeter). His job was supposedly to cure rabies in people and animals by means of saliva and breath blowing. When medicine failed to provide an answer, rituals and magic took its place.
