Janet Parker

Janet Parker

Name	Janet Parker
Birth name
Birth date	1938
Birth place	Birmingham, England
Death date	11 September 1978
Death place	Birmingham, England
Alma mater
Occupation	Medical photographer
Years active
Organization
Known for	Last recorded person to die from smallpox
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Janet Parker (1938 – 11 September 1978) was a British medical photographer who became the last recorded person to die from smallpox. Her death led to significant changes in the handling of infectious diseases and the eventual eradication of smallpox.

Early Life and Career

Janet Parker was born in 1938 in Birmingham, England. She pursued a career in medical photography, a field that involves capturing images for use in medical research, education, and clinical documentation. Parker worked at the University of Birmingham's Medical School, where she was involved in photographing specimens and assisting in the preparation of educational materials.

The Smallpox Incident

In August 1978, Janet Parker contracted smallpox, a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus. At the time, smallpox had been largely eradicated, with the last known natural outbreak occurring in Somalia in 1977. Parker's infection was traced back to a laboratory at the University of Birmingham, where research on the virus was being conducted.

The laboratory was located one floor below Parker's office, and it was later determined that the virus had escaped due to inadequate safety measures. Despite efforts to contain the outbreak, Parker succumbed to the disease on 11 September 1978.

Impact and Aftermath

Janet Parker's death had profound implications for the field of infectious disease control. It prompted a review of laboratory safety protocols and led to stricter regulations regarding the handling of dangerous pathogens. The incident also accelerated the global push towards the complete eradication of smallpox, which was officially declared eradicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1980.

The tragedy highlighted the importance of biosafety and the need for rigorous standards in laboratories working with infectious agents. It also underscored the potential risks associated with research on deadly pathogens, leading to increased scrutiny and oversight in the field.

Legacy

Janet Parker is remembered as the last person to die from smallpox, a disease that claimed millions of lives throughout history. Her case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in the fight against infectious diseases and the need for continued investment in public health infrastructure.

Also see

• Smallpox
• Variola virus
• World Health Organization
• Biosafety
• Eradication of infectious diseases