Smallpox, a deadly disease that has plagued humanity for thousands of years, has a history that extends into pre-history. Genetic evidence suggests that the smallpox virus emerged 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. The earliest physical evidence of smallpox is found in the Egyptian mummies of people who died some 3,000 years ago.
The Scourge of Smallpox
Smallpox had a major impact on world history. Indigenous populations of regions where smallpox was non-native, such as the Americas and Australia, were rapidly and greatly reduced by smallpox during periods of initial foreign contact. During the 18th century, the disease killed an estimated 400,000 Europeans each year, including five reigning monarchs, and was responsible for a third of all blindness. Between 20 and 60% of all those infected—and over 80% of infected children—died from the disease. During the 20th century, it is estimated that smallpox was responsible for 300–500 million deaths.
The Battle Against Smallpox
The World Health Organization launched an intensified plan to eradicate smallpox in 1967. Widespread immunization and surveillance were conducted around the world for several years. The last known natural case was in Somalia in 1977.
Victory Declared
In 1980, the WHO certified the global eradication of smallpox. Smallpox is one of two infectious diseases to have been eradicated, the other being rinderpest, which was declared eradicated in 2011.
But Did We Truly Defeat Smallpox?
While it’s true that smallpox has been eradicated in the wild, the virus still exists in laboratories. This raises the question: have we truly defeated smallpox? The answer is complex. In terms of the disease’s impact on human health, the answer is a resounding yes. No new cases of smallpox have been reported since 1977, and the disease no longer poses a threat to global health.
However, the existence of the virus in laboratories means that there is always a risk, however small, of the disease re-emerging. This could happen through an accidental release or through the virus being used as a biological weapon. Therefore, while we have defeated smallpox as a disease, we have not completely eliminated the threat it poses.
In conclusion, the eradication of smallpox is one of the greatest achievements in public health. However, the continued existence of the virus in laboratories serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance in the face of potential health threats.