Smallpox

Smallpox is an infectious diesease, caused by 2 virus variants-Variola major and minor. It localizes in small blood vessels of the skin and in the mouth and throat. It starts as a rash, and later becomes raised fluid-filled blisters. The mortality rate of V.major is 30-35% and V.minor is about 1%. Transmitted from person to person, usually by respiratory droplets or through direct contact with body fluids. Contaminated clothing or bedding might also transmit the virus. It’s not known to be transmitted by insects or animals. In the US during 1843-1855, first in Massachussets, then the other states, vaccines for smallpox became a requirement. By 1897, smallpox had been eliminated. (Contributed By: Heather F.)

The history of smallpox is a story of hardship leading to modern medical success. The origin of smallpox is believed to have been in Africa thousands of years ago. The first recorded smallpox epidemic was as early as 1350 BC (Brannon, 2004). The demise of smallpox began with a technique called variolation and then led to the “vaccination.” An English physician named Edward Jenner, in 1796, experimented with inoculation of an 8 year old boy with fluid removed from a cowpox pustule. The treatment was introduced after he realized that milkmaids that developed cowpox, did not develop smallpox (Brannon, 2004). The inoculation worked and Jenner called the treatment “vaccine” from the Latin word “vaca” which means cow (Brannon, 2004). (Contributed By: Sonya A.)

Vaccination against smallpox began around 1800 but mandated vaccinations did not occur until the last decade of the century. Smallpox greatly decreased in New York City in 1875 from 1200 cases to approximately 6 cases in 1909 (Engs, 2003). The vaccination mandate proved to be a success although some groups continued to oppose the vaccinations and therefore led to a few cases. (Contributed By: Sonya A.)

Interesting Facts:
Abe Lincoln was diagnosed with a mild form of smallpox in late November of 1863. Lucky Luciano contracted smallpox at the age of ten in 1907, while traveling to New York from Sicily. (Contributed By: Heather F.)