Smallpox

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Smallpox
Classification and external resources

Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by one of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. The disease was characterized by fever, a distinctive skin rash, and blisters. Smallpox was a major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout history until its eradication in 1980.

History

Smallpox is believed to have emerged in human populations around 10,000 BC. The disease has been responsible for numerous epidemics and has significantly impacted human history. Notable outbreaks include the Antonine Plague in the Roman Empire and the introduction of smallpox to the Americas by European colonizers, which devastated indigenous populations.

Symptoms and Signs

The initial symptoms of smallpox included high fever, fatigue, and head and body aches. This was followed by the appearance of a rash that progressed to raised blisters filled with fluid. The rash typically started on the face and spread to the limbs and trunk. The blisters would eventually scab over and fall off, often leaving scars.

Transmission

Smallpox was highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets during close contact with an infected person. It could also be transmitted through contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing.

Prevention

The development of the smallpox vaccine by Edward Jenner in 1796 was a significant milestone in the fight against the disease. The vaccine used a related virus, cowpox, to confer immunity to smallpox. Widespread vaccination campaigns in the 20th century led to the eventual eradication of the disease.

Eradication

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched an intensive global smallpox eradication program in 1967. Through coordinated vaccination efforts and surveillance, the last naturally occurring case of smallpox was reported in Somalia in 1977. In 1980, the WHO officially declared smallpox eradicated, making it the first disease to be eradicated by human effort.

Legacy

The eradication of smallpox has had a profound impact on public health and serves as a model for the control and elimination of other infectious diseases. The success of the smallpox eradication program has inspired similar efforts for diseases such as polio and measles.

See also

• Variola virus
• Smallpox vaccine
• World Health Organization
• Edward Jenner
• Eradication of infectious diseases