Isolated 1963. Smallpox epidemic in Wrocław

July marks the 60th anniversary of the smallpox outbreak in Wrocław. It was one of the last smallpox epidemics in the world. The outbreak in the summer of 1963 came as a surprise to epidemiologists and smallpox was not immediately recognized. The majority of health workers in Wrocław were called in to fight the epidemic, mandatory vaccinations were introduced, isolation rooms and two smallpox hospitals were organized. The pestilence in Breslau was brought under control rather quickly, after 97 days.

The Historical Museum recalls this event in an exhibition at the Royal Palace entitled: “Isolated 1963: The smallpox epidemic in Wrocław.” We present photographs recalling this time, in the possession of the Museum, by Mieczyslaw Dolęga, photojournalist for “Gazeta Robotnicza”.

We hope that among the anonymous heroes of the photos, visitors to the exhibition will find themselves or their loved ones.

Exhibition opening: 22.06 (Thursday), 5:00 pm
Royal Palace, 35 Kazimierza Wielkiego St., first floor