Small Pox History

Smallpox was a major health concern, not only for North American but the entire world. The eradication of smallpox was eventually accomplished. The threat of infection from the smallpox virus was finally vanquished thanks to the collective formation of vaccines. This historical event represents the importance of vaccines and that eradication of the dangerous disease is possible.
The Smallpox virus was an infectious disease that was spread through the air in close proximity. Due to its contagious nature, many people were infected and many died due to this disease. Initially, treatment for this disease included inoculation. As stated in lecture, this was a process where active smallpox virus was inserted into a cut on the arm. This evidently only spread the disease. Edward Henner later created the vaccine derived from cowpox. However, there was still issues regarding this vaccines. Issues including, people trying to create vaccines in private facilities where a portion of the vaccine contained smallpox mixed with the cowpox. Contamination was also another issue. This was later solved by adding
glycerin which killed the bacteria without affecting the potency. Instability of the vaccines was also a problem unless it was kept cold. Canada’s contribution came when researchers began freeze drying the vaccine. This was important as the major areas affected included South America, Africa, and Asia. Through the use of vaccines and the technology, locals were able to vaccinate their people and stop the spread of the virus. By 1980, the smallpox virus was dead due to the cooperative efforts of the whole world
On May 8th, 1980 it is declared that the fight against the smallpox disease is now over.
This was the declaration of global eradication of smallpox. It also recognizes all the nations and people that help eradicate the disease. However, on May 29, 1959, The Twelfth World Health Assembly brings up the issues of endemic foci of smallpox. This was still an issue for certain areas such as South East Asia and Africa. In this reading, it states that they have the measures to deal with this issue effectively and can produce vaccines to be given to 80% of the population. It also states the importance of these areas where the disease is still present to organize eradication programs. Bioterrorism is a concern in terms of the smallpox virus in today’s society. Since many today would not have had the vaccines it could be used to trigger a smallpox outbreak and history would repeat
itself. Looking back in history at events, such as the smallpox outbreaks, it Is easy to see the enormous impact that can have globally. The smallpox outbreaks also highlight the importance of vaccines. Today many of us take for granted the access we have to vaccines and how effective they are in keeping us safe from these types of diseases. As kids, you get vaccinated for a variety of diseases such as measle, mumps, and rubella. It is because most of the children are vaccinated that these diseases do not cause a mass outbreak like that of smallpox. It is then important to note the formation of anti-vaccinists. These are people who do not believe in the benefits of vaccines and do not receive them. While this may seem insignificant it can have a huge impact on population health if a large enough group does not get vaccinated. This was seen is outbreaks of smallpox in Canada, such as the outbreak in Montreal which was because people were not getting vaccinated. In the media, there has been much debate and attention give to those who believe that vaccines give children autism. Jenny McCarthy is a celebrity would it at the forefront of this “Anti-vaccine” movement. Even though there is an overwhelming amount of evidence proving that vaccines do not cause autism, some still do not get their children vaccinated. If enough of the population stops receiving vaccination we could see a reoccurrence of many viruses and disease such as measles, rubella, Polio etc. Vaccination is a privilege we should not take likely. Get vaccinated as it could save not only your life but others around you.