This study tracks and explains the legal and institutional background of state of public health emergency and epidemic disasters related to the historic development of Hungarian legislation. There are concerned several important parliamentary acts, and rules and regulations issued during the cholera pandemic 1893-94. One of the main lessons learned is that an appropriate legal and financial framework is needed to control any pandemic, and the states involved must strengthen all essential institutions of their public health system - nevertheless, Hungary has a very long tradition in this regard.  Kulcsszavak: Drezdai egyezmény, Igazságügyi Orvosi Tanács, járvány, járvány elleni védekezés, járványhelyzet, kolera, közegészségtan, közegészségügy, Rockefeller Alap