New Orleans Epidemics: History of Disease and Recovery

Uncover the infectious history of New Orleans on a historic and strange plague tour. Explore the squalid conditions, odd medical practices, and the resilience of the city.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • New Orleans Pharmacy Museum - Explore the intriguing history of unconventional methods used by the medical field to tackle various pandemics.
  • Jackson Square - Discover the rich history of pandemics and other diseases at the heart of the French Quarter.
  • French Quarter - Tour significant locations throughout the French Quarter that played a role in both historic and recent pandemics and plagues.
What's Included
  • Professional guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

For centuries, New Orleans has been affected by infectious outbreaks, and those intrigued by the city’s peculiar history should explore its connection with disease.
Join a fascinating and historical tour that delves into the unsanitary conditions and widespread diseases New Orleans has faced. Hear uplifting stories of how the city coped with these…

Location
815 Toulouse St
Toulouse Street
Meet at the Unique NOLA Tours shop
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(27 Ratings)
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Giap624
Jan 22, 2026
Lovely fun and educational experience - Our tour with Dalvin was so educational and super engaging. We all learned something new about science, history, and the city. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrewvmo
Nov 5, 2025
Pestilence tour - Mikko was great. Lots of historical knowledge and fun side tips. Seems he knows everyone too. We had a fun tour even if it was a scary topic.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traveler11945008932
Apr 23, 2025
New Orleans history from a unique perspective - Miko took us on a fascinating and informative tour demonstrating the resilience of New Orleans in the face of multiple infectious disease challenges over the centuries. A walk through the French Quarter full of fun facts and historical details.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Claire_g
Apr 20, 2025
A hidden gem that’s actually a must do! - I was lucky enough to end up with a 1:1 tour experience. It was perfectly paced and informative. I work in outbreak response and love medical history - and I learned a lot of new things! This is a must do tour for my fellow nerds. Mikko showed me a trash can!
Review provided by Viator
Jeff_k
Mar 18, 2025
Garbage Not To Be Missed! - Mikko is extremely knowledgeable about the topic and New Orleans in general. Be prepared for a rapier wit and wonderful humor to be a tasty side dish to the info imparted. We saw a good smattering of the French Quarter along the way. While the Pharmaceutical Museum was closed on the day of our tour, don’t pass up this gem. Of all the Viator tours I’ve been on (all over the world), Mikko was by far the best tour guide. And, of course, the view of the in-ground garbage is not to be missed!
Review provided by Viator
Robert_k
Mar 2, 2025
My favorite tour of New Orleans history! - Mikko was a fabulous tour guide. He spoke of the city, current and past, the tour topic - Pestilence, Pandemic, and Plague throughout the history of New Orleans and the US, and as we were visiting during Mardi Gras season, a bit about what to enjoy around town. Mikko is a world traveler and it shows. Highly recommend this tour. It is not at all grim and gross but educational.
Review provided by Viator
716miquim
Oct 20, 2024
Pleased with Plagues - The tour guide, Mikko, was knowledgeable and charismatic, which made for a wonderful time to learn about the diseases/plagues of New Orleans. The best stop of the tour was definitely the floor trash can. Recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peterbz1989yb
Sep 13, 2024
Take a walk through New Orleans and get down with the sickness - Lots of history and learning with this tour! The tour guide knows his stuff and there are a lot of diseases that made their way through the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D4421oxsams
Sep 13, 2024
Mikko showed me a garbage can! - Mikko showed me a garbage can! Veri interesting character with lots of good stories and very interesting knowledge on the history of plagues in New Orleans
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hb864
Jul 18, 2024
Great tour!! - Mico (I can’t remember the spelling?!) was a knowledgeable and funny tour guide! He had us laughing with his story telling! I loved how he included history in with the paranormal stories! We also had a much smaller tour group of about 14ish people than other tour groups we saw which had about 30 people!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $37
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).