History of smallpox in Mexico

Aztec smallpox victims

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History of Smallpox in Mexico

The history of smallpox in Mexico is a significant aspect of the pre-Columbian Americas and the period following the arrival of Europeans. Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, was an endemic disease in Europe and Asia for centuries. However, the indigenous populations of the Americas had no immunity to this new disease, leading to catastrophic outbreaks following the arrival of Spanish explorers and colonizers in the early 16th century.

Pre-Columbian Era

Before the arrival of Europeans, the indigenous peoples of what is now Mexico had developed complex civilizations such as the Aztec Empire and the Maya. These societies had no knowledge or immunity to diseases common in Europe and Asia.

Arrival of Smallpox

Smallpox was introduced to Mexico in the early 16th century by the Spanish. The first major outbreak occurred in 1520, brought by an African slave who was part of the Spanish expedition led by Hernán Cortés. This outbreak had devastating effects on the native population, significantly aiding the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.

Impact on Indigenous Populations

The impact of smallpox on the indigenous populations of Mexico was catastrophic. It is estimated that in the first century after contact with Europeans, diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza reduced the indigenous population by up to 90%. The high mortality rate was due not only to the lack of immunity among the indigenous peoples but also to the disruption of their societies, which affected their ability to resist the disease.

Control and Eradication Efforts

Throughout the centuries, various efforts were made to control and eventually eradicate smallpox. In the late 18th century, the practice of variolation was introduced in Mexico as a method to immunize people against smallpox. This practice involved the deliberate infection with a mild case of smallpox to induce immunity.

The introduction of the smallpox vaccine by Edward Jenner in 1796 marked the beginning of the end for smallpox worldwide. In Mexico, vaccination campaigns throughout the 19th and 20th centuries gradually reduced the incidence of the disease.

Smallpox was officially declared eradicated in Mexico in 1951, ahead of the global eradication declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1980. This achievement was the result of extensive vaccination campaigns and international cooperation.

Legacy

The history of smallpox in Mexico is a reminder of the devastating impact that infectious diseases can have on societies, especially those with no prior exposure or immunity. It also highlights the importance of vaccination and public health measures in controlling and eradicating diseases.