WHO helps contain the last European outbreak in Yugoslavia

The containment of the 1972 smallpox outbreak in Yugoslavia stands as one of the most remarkable public health victories in European history. This was the last known outbreak of smallpox on the continent, beginning when an individual returned from the Middle East unknowingly carrying the virus. As the disease began to spread rapidly across parts of Yugoslavia, panic and confusion set in, particularly due to the initial misdiagnosis of the early cases. The outbreak quickly escalated into a national emergency, prompting an urgent and coordinated response. With the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), Yugoslav authorities initiated an extraordinary containment effort. Martial law was imposed, travel restrictions were enforced, and an expansive vaccination campaign was launched, reaching millions of people in just a few weeks. Thousands of individuals were quarantined to prevent further transmission. Thanks to these swift and rigorous measures, the outbreak was fully contained within two months, and no further cases occurred. This event is now remembered as a defining example of effective global cooperation in stopping the spread of a deadly disease. \#MomentsOfLife #MoofLife\_Moment #MoofLife #SmallpoxOutbreak #WHOHistory #PublicHealthSuccess #DiseaseContainment #Yugoslavia1972