During the first decades of the 19th century a disease appeared in the regions of Inner Carniola and Carst which was, due to its unusual course, at first considered a new entity. It spread among the population in an asexual, extragenital and endemic way and was enhanced by poor economic and hygienic circumstances. Since the clinical picture of the disease resembled sporadic syphilis, some doctors thought that it was a combination of syphilis and some others contagious disease, while others considered it sporadic syphilis. The government in Vienna responded to the epidemic by the introduction of extensive social and health measures. Compulsory medical examination of the inhabitants in the affected area was decreed, treatment of patients was initiated and preventive measures recommended. The action was organized by Baron Dr. Stifft. In the summer of 1818 a new specialized hospital for Skerljevo's patients was opened in Postojna. When the epidemic declined a decade later the hospital was closed down. Extensive preventive and curative actions, and the efforts of local authorities and clergy to improve living conditions of Slovenian peasant population and make them more aware of the seriousness and causes of the disease contributed to the decline of the epidemic. The example set by organization of the official measures taken in the case of Skerljevo disease can serve as a basis for a comparative medico-historical study regarding new epidemic diseases (AIDS, diseases caused by slow viruses).