Koch retired as the Director of the Institute for Infectious Diseases, but he continued to pursue research and travel extensively.

Koch led another expedition to Africa to study tropical diseases.

Robert Koch died of a heart attack in Baden-Baden, Germany, at the age of 66. His death marked the end of an era in medical microbiology.

Koch's work had a lasting impact on medicine, public health, and science. His discoveries and methods revolutionized the understanding and treatment of infectious diseases, saving countless lives and shaping the course of medical history. His work continues to influence research and public health initiatives to this day.