In the mid-1880s, cases of venereal disease were detected among recruits in the Warmia region. It later turned out that many families, living in different localities in Warmia, were affected by the disease. It was believed that it had begun to spread in areas bordering Poland during the Seven Years' War. In 1786, it was proposed that a major centre be established in Warmia to treat venereal disease. It was initially thought that it was to be located in Reszel. It was later decided to erect it in Lidzbark Warmiński. The centre was inaugurated in 1787 and was able to treat 40 patients at a time. Taxes from village farmers were collected for its functioning. Its activities were probably brought to an end by the Napoleonic campaign of 1807, during which a French-Russian battle took place near Lidzbark Warmiński.