The Last Days of Smallpox

An overview of the final stages of smallpox eradication

The Last Days of Smallpox

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The Last Days of Smallpox

The last days of smallpox refer to the final efforts in the global campaign to eradicate this devastating disease. Smallpox, caused by the Variola virus, was a highly contagious and deadly disease that plagued humanity for centuries. The successful eradication of smallpox is considered one of the greatest achievements in public health.

Background

Smallpox was a major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout history, with outbreaks causing significant social and economic disruption. The disease was characterized by fever, body aches, and a distinctive rash that developed into pus-filled blisters. The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Intensified Smallpox Eradication Program in 1967, aiming to eliminate the disease through widespread vaccination and surveillance.

Eradication Efforts

The eradication campaign involved mass vaccination and a strategy known as "ring vaccination," where contacts of infected individuals were vaccinated to prevent further spread. Surveillance teams were deployed to identify and contain outbreaks quickly. The last naturally occurring case of smallpox was diagnosed in Ali Maow Maalin in Somalia in 1977.

The Last Known Cases

The last known natural outbreak of smallpox occurred in Somalia in 1977. The final case of naturally occurring smallpox was identified in a young boy named Ali Maow Maalin. Following this, the WHO conducted extensive surveillance to ensure no further cases emerged. In 1978, a laboratory accident in Birmingham, England, led to the last known death from smallpox, highlighting the importance of strict laboratory safety protocols.

Declaration of Eradication

In 1980, the WHO officially declared smallpox eradicated, marking the first time a disease had been eradicated through human efforts. This declaration was based on the absence of naturally occurring cases for over two years and the successful containment of the Birmingham incident.

Legacy and Impact

The eradication of smallpox has had a profound impact on global health. It demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated international public health efforts and set a precedent for future eradication campaigns, such as those targeting polio and measles. The success of the smallpox eradication program also led to the establishment of the WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization, which aims to increase vaccination coverage worldwide.

Related Pages

• Smallpox vaccine
• World Health Organization
• Ali Maow Maalin
• Ring vaccination
• Eradication of infectious diseases