When did smallpox spread?

Smallpox has existed for thousands of years and was once one of the most devastating diseases known to humankind. Its precise origins are uncertain, but evidence suggests that smallpox may have originated in ancient Egypt or India.

Over time, smallpox spread throughout the world through trade, travel, and military conflicts. Smallpox epidemics have been documented in numerous historical accounts, including in ancient China, Greece, and Rome. The disease had a significant impact on populations throughout history, often decimating communities and leaving survivors with severe scars and disabilities.

During the European colonization of the Americas, smallpox was introduced to the Indigenous populations of the Western Hemisphere, who had no prior immunity to the disease. Smallpox epidemics caused catastrophic devastation among Indigenous communities, contributing to the population decline and social disruption experienced by Native American tribes.

In the 18th century, smallpox became a major concern for European nations due to its high mortality rate and the disruption it caused to military and economic activities. Efforts were made to develop methods of prevention and treatment, resulting in the development of smallpox inoculation and vaccination. Smallpox inoculation involved intentionally exposing individuals to the smallpox virus in a controlled manner to build immunity, but this practice carried risks and could lead to complications.

The widespread adoption of smallpox vaccination, introduced by Edward Jenner in the late 18th century, revolutionized the fight against the disease. Smallpox vaccination proved to be a safe and effective way of preventing smallpox and gradually led to the decline of the disease worldwide. By the 20th century, smallpox had been largely eradicated through successful vaccination campaigns and international cooperation.

The last known naturally occurring case of smallpox was reported in Somalia in 1977. However, concerns about the potential use of smallpox as a bioweapon led to further research and the development of improved smallpox vaccines and response strategies. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared smallpox eradicated in 1980, making it the first and so far only human disease to have been completely eradicated through vaccination efforts.