Eugene Lazowski (1913–2006), born Eugeniusz Łazowski, was a Polish medical doctor recognized for his heroic actions during World War II. He is best known for creating a fictitious epidemic of typhus in Nazi-occupied Poland, which successfully prevented German forces from deporting thousands of Jews and Poles to concentration camps. Working in collaboration with fellow physician Stanisław Matulewicz, Lazowski utilized a method of injecting dead Proteus OX19 bacteria into patients to produce false positive results on standard typhus serological tests. The Germans, fearing the spread of epidemic typhus, quarantined the area rather than occupy or deport its inhabitants, thereby saving an estimated 8,000 lives.
Lazowski graduated from the University of Warsaw and practiced medicine in Poland before and during the war. After the war, he emigrated to the United States, where he continued his medical career as a pediatrician in Chicago. He taught at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and remained active in the Polish expatriate community.
His wartime actions were later documented in historical accounts and recognized as a remarkable example of resistance through medical deception. Lazowski’s story has been featured in books and articles highlighting ethical dilemmas and humanitarian courage in medicine during wartime.
Lazowski passed away on December 13, 2006, in Rochester, Minnesota. His legacy is honored for combining medical expertise with moral courage to save civilian lives under oppressive occupation.