Smallpox, also known as variola, was a highly contagious and deadly viral disease. Throughout history, it caused devastating outbreaks and claimed countless lives. However, in 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared smallpox eradicated worldwide, marking one of the greatest public health achievements in history.
History of Smallpox
Smallpox has been known for thousands of years, with evidence of the disease found in ancient Egypt, India, and China. It was particularly widespread during the Middle Ages, causing large-scale epidemics. In 18th century Europe, smallpox was a leading cause of death. The disease had two main forms: variola major, which was more severe and often fatal, and variola minor, which was milder with lower mortality rates.
Symptoms of Smallpox
Smallpox typically presented symptoms after a 7-19 day incubation period following infection. Key symptoms included:
High Fever: Typically ranging between 38-40°C (100.4-104°F).
Headache and Muscle Pain: Severe headaches, back, and muscle pain were common.
Severe Fatigue and Weakness: As the disease progressed, patients often experienced extreme tiredness.
Rash: The hallmark of smallpox was a rash that began on the face and spread across the body. These red spots turned into fluid-filled blisters, then pustules, and eventually scabbed over.
Scarring: The pustules left deep scars after they healed.
Transmission
Smallpox was highly contagious and spread primarily through direct contact with an infected person’s respiratory droplets or contaminated objects. The disease could easily be transmitted from one person to another.
Treatment and Vaccination
There was no specific antiviral treatment for smallpox. Care was mainly supportive, focusing on reducing fever, relieving pain, and preventing secondary infections. However, the development of the smallpox vaccine by Edward Jenner in the 18th century was crucial in controlling the disease. Jenner’s vaccine used the cowpox virus, a related but less severe virus, to confer immunity to smallpox.
Eradication Campaign
In 1967, the World Health Organization launched an intensive global campaign to eradicate smallpox. Through widespread vaccination and quick isolation of cases, the last natural case of smallpox was recorded in Somalia in 1977. By 1980, WHO officially declared smallpox eradicated, a monumental milestone in public health.
Smallpox Today
Today, smallpox no longer exists in nature. However, the remaining samples of the virus stored in laboratories have raised concerns about the potential use of the virus as a bioterrorism agent. As a result, the number of people with immunity to smallpox has significantly decreased since the disease’s eradication.
