How Vaccines Stopped Smallpox

Smallpox: A Devastating Disease

Smallpox was a highly contagious disease caused by the variola virus that killed millions of people throughout history. Symptoms of smallpox included fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that progressed from red bumps to filled blisters that eventually crusted over and left scars. The disease was often fatal, with a mortality rate of 30% or higher.

The Development of the Smallpox Vaccine

In the 18th century, a breakthrough in the fight against smallpox occurred with the development of the smallpox vaccine. The vaccine was developed by Edward Jenner, an English physician who observed that milkmaids who had been exposed to cowpox, a mild disease that produced cowpox lesions on the hands, were immune to smallpox. Jenner hypothesized that exposure to cowpox somehow protected against smallpox.

In 1796, Jenner conducted an experiment in which he vaccinated a young boy named James Phipps with cowpox material. He then exposed James to smallpox, and the boy did not develop the disease, demonstrating that the cowpox vaccine was effective in preventing smallpox.

The Spread of the Smallpox Vaccine

Jenner's discovery of the smallpox vaccine was a major turning point in the fight against the disease. The vaccine was quickly adopted around the world, and smallpox vaccination became mandatory in many countries. As a result, the incidence of smallpox declined dramatically.

The Eradication of Smallpox

In 1959, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global smallpox eradication program. The program involved mass vaccination campaigns in countries where smallpox was still endemic. By 1977, smallpox had been eradicated from the world, making it the first disease to be completely eliminated through vaccination.

The Legacy of Smallpox Vaccination

The eradication of smallpox is one of the greatest public health achievements in history. Smallpox vaccination has saved countless lives and prevented untold suffering. Today, smallpox vaccine is no longer routinely administered because the disease has been eradicated, but it remains an important tool in the public health arsenal in case of a potential outbreak.