(Foege, 1966)
"Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease. The pox part of smallpox is derived from the Latin word for 'spotted' and refers to the raised bumps that appear on the face and body of an infected person."
(CDC, 2016)
(CDC, 2016)
Smallpox
Smallpox was a disease that swept the world. From the first epidemic in India in 1545, to the last naturally occurring case in Somalia in 1977, smallpox was a known killer. Dr. William Foege stopped the disease from claiming lives by creating his eradication process, ring vaccination.
Symptoms and TransmissionSmallpox, or the variola virus, causes vomiting, fever, aching, and eventually the development of small pustules. The mortality rate is 30% and survivors are left with scars. In very severe cases, pustules can cause blindness. The virus destroys white blood cells that stop viral replication and ultimately it overwhelms the immune system. Smallpox spreads through direct contact such as caring for a loved one, or indirect contact, like sneezing, coughing, or coming into contact with contaminated items worn by a smallpox patient. Smallpox has no known cure.
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(Proposed Destruction of Smallpox Virus Creates Controversy, 2011)
"As smallpox spread worldwide, it became established. Virtually everyone eventually contracted the disease. At least 30% died, but of those who survived, none experienced a second attack."
(D.A Henderson, 2009)
(D.A Henderson, 2009)
The Father of Immunology
Edward Jenner heard theories that milkmaids never contracted smallpox because they had cowpox."As a forward-thinking doctor who liked to experiment, Jenner wanted to prove his theory" (“Edward Jenner (1749-1823),” ). In 1796, Jenner took a small amount of pus from a cowpox pustule from milkmaid Sarah Nelmes, and inserted it into a cut of local boy James Phipps. Though the vaccine made James slightly sick, he got over it quickly. For the final test, James was then exposed to smallpox. After exposure, James seemed to be immune. Jenner continued testing and eventually tried it on his own baby boy. Jenner called his new idea a vaccine.
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"Smallpox vaccination provides high level immunity for 3 to 5 years and decreasing immunity thereafter. If a person is vaccinated again later, immunity lasts even longer. Historically, the vaccine has been effective in preventing smallpox infection in 95% of those vaccinated. In addition, the vaccine was proven to prevent or substantially lessen infection when given within a few days of exposure."
(CDC Smallpox Vaccine Overview, 2004)
(CDC Smallpox Vaccine Overview, 2004)