1721 Boston smallpox outbreak
1721 Boston Smallpox Outbreak
The 1721 Boston Smallpox Outbreak (pronunciation: /ˈbɒstən ˈsmɔːlpɒks ˈaʊtbreɪk/) was a significant event in the history of public health and vaccination in the United States.
Etymology
The term "smallpox" comes from the Old English words "smal" meaning 'small' and "pocke" meaning 'pock or pustule'. The term "outbreak" is derived from the Middle English "outbreken", meaning 'to break out or burst forth'.
History
In the year 1721, the city of Boston, Massachusetts, experienced a severe outbreak of smallpox, a highly contagious and deadly disease. This event marked one of the earliest uses of inoculation in the American colonies, a practice introduced by Cotton Mather and Zabdiel Boylston.
Inoculation
Inoculation (pronunciation: /ɪˌnɒkjʊˈleɪʃən/) is the process of introducing a pathogen or antigen into a living organism to stimulate the production of antibodies. This method was controversial at the time, but it paved the way for the development of modern vaccination techniques.
Impact
The 1721 Boston Smallpox Outbreak had a profound impact on public health policies and practices. It sparked debates about the ethics and efficacy of inoculation, contributing to the development of modern epidemiology and vaccination strategies.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on 1721 Boston smallpox outbreak
- Wikipedia's article - 1721 Boston smallpox outbreak
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