The book Smallpox and its Eradication, published by the WHO in 1988 (ISBN: 92 4 156110 6), includes illustrative content sourced from both WHO archives and other published materials. For the latter, copyright holders provided WHO with permission to reproduce their material within the publication.
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Welcome to the WHO’s book “Eradication of Smallpox” on GHP’s website
ABOUT US
This comprehensive resource explores one of humanity’s greatest medical challenges and triumphs. Designed to educate, inform, and inspire, this platform delves into the history, science, and lasting implications of smallpox eradication.
Our mission is to provide an accessible, authoritative reference that underscores the power of global collaboration in conquering diseases and highlights the critical importance of preparing for future public health challenges.
Smallpox background
How is Smallpox Transmitted?
Smallpox spreads primarily through close contact with an infected person, particularly via respiratory droplets released when they talk, cough, or sneeze. The virus can also spread through bodily fluids or contact with contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothing. Transmission thrives in crowded or unsanitary conditions, making vulnerable populations especially susceptible.
Symptoms
The disease typically begins with flu-like symptoms, including high fever, fatigue, severe headaches, and body aches. Within a few days, a distinctive rash appears, progressing to raised pustules that eventually scab over. Survivors are often left with permanent scars, particularly on the face and body, marking the lasting physical impact of the disease.
Age Profile and Mortality Rates
Smallpox affected people of all ages, but children and individuals with weakened immune systems were particularly at risk. The mortality rate varied depending on the strain, with severe forms like variola major claiming 20-30% of infected individuals. These high fatality rates highlight the devastating impact of smallpox before global eradication efforts succeeded.
Who we are
Our team is a dedicated group of public health and IT professionals united by a passion for understanding and learning from the history of infectious diseases. This project—republishing the “Eradication of Smallpox” book and creating this website—honors the lives lost to smallpox, celebrates the extraordinary global collaboration that eradicated it, and provides a lasting resource for future generations.
We believe that history offers critical lessons for building a safer, healthier world. This initiative brings together the expertise of leading epidemiologists, virologists, and medical historians who have spent their careers studying smallpox and other infectious diseases. Their insights ensure this resource not only recounts the story of smallpox but contextualizes its eradication as one of the most remarkable achievements in global health. By combining scientific rigor with historical depth, we offer a comprehensive understanding of smallpox’s impact on humanity and the significance of its eradication.
Call to Action
We invite you to explore the Smallpox Book and website, engaging with our extensive content to learn about this extraordinary chapter in medical history. Share your feedback, spread awareness about the importance of disease prevention, and join us in advocating for global health education.
Subscribe for updates, participate in discussions, or contribute your expertise to help address modern public health challenges. Together, we can honor the legacy of smallpox eradication while working towards a healthier, more resilient future.
Our Vision
To create a world where the lessons learned from smallpox eradication inspire global awareness and action toward preventing and controlling infectious diseases through education, vaccination, and collaboration.
Our Mission
We aim to provide a clear and accessible resource for learning about smallpox—once one of the world’s deadliest diseases—and its eradication through global vaccination efforts. Building on these lessons, we also address emerging health challenges like mpox to highlight the importance of prevention, control, and collaboration in combating infectious diseases.
In this hub, you’ll discover:
- The history of smallpox and the monumental efforts that led to its eradication.
- The symptoms and transmission of smallpox before vaccines transformed the fight against it.
- Prevention and vaccination strategies that demonstrate how diseases can be effectively controlled.
- Insights into mpox and other emerging health threats to emphasize the ongoing need for vigilance and innovation.
- Interactive content featuring historical data, expert insights, and FAQs to simplify complex information and inspire global health action.
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