At the beginning of the 20th century, the understanding of microbiology led to significant advancements in public health, as infectious diseases were primarily thought to be transmitted through invisible miasmas. In response to this belief, governments established health operation centers where staff would actively engage in public sanitation efforts. They utilized chemical sprays to eliminate potential sources of disease, transported sick individuals to isolation hospitals, and undertook the grim task of collecting the deceased. Furthermore, they focused on improving sanitary conditions to mitigate the spread of illnesses.

In São Paulo, this public health initiative took shape at the Central Disinfectory, inaugurated in 1893 and located on Tenente Pena Street. This facility played a crucial role in the early years of public health by deploying disinfecting measures using truck-mounted sprayers, with initial operations reliant on animal-drawn vehicles. The efforts included incinerating rodents, which were considered vectors of disease at the time, alongside other public sanitation practices that were necessary given the limited understanding of disease transmission.

Today, the historical building of the Central Disinfectory is preserved and stands as a testament to the evolution of public health in Brazil. It reflects an era when the fight against contagion was just beginning, highlighting the transition from rudimentary approaches to more advanced medical understanding and techniques that are in place today. The site's preservation serves both as an educational resource and a reminder of the important lessons learned in the realm of public health.