Historical review: Towards the 50th anniversary of the last major smallpox outbreak (Yugoslavia, 1972)

Abstract

In 1972, Yugoslavia experienced the largest outbreak of smallpox in the history of Europe following the Second World War and its first smallpox outbreak after 1930. The origin of the infection is believed to be a pilgrim who visited countries in the Middle East. In this epidemic in Yugoslavia, from 16th February to 11th April 1972, a total of 175 people fell ill, 35 (20%) of whom died. Measures against the outbreak were based on the strategy that was common in the final phase of the smallpox eradication program. It started with active surveillance and rapid identification of new cases. Measures, such as mass vaccination and quarantine of direct contacts, were promptly taken. In a few weeks, 18 million people had been vaccinated and approximately 15,000 had been quarantined. Yugoslavia was declared free of smallpox on 9th May 1972. The global community today is confronted with serious threats from infectious diseases, which can appear as outbreaks and pandemics.