Pandemic
Smallpox (20th century)
Variola virus
300.0M
estimated deaths
Period
1900–1980
Origin
Global (ancient)
Death range
300.0M–500.0M
Infected
1.0B
Overview
Smallpox is considered one of the deadliest diseases in human history. In the 20th century alone, it killed an estimated 300–500 million people before being eradicated through a global vaccination campaign led by the WHO. The last natural case was recorded in 1977. It remains the only human infectious disease to have been completely eradicated.
Historical Timeline
1967WHO eradication campaign begins
1980Officially eradicated
Symptoms
Distinctive skin rash with fluid-filled blisters
High fever
Headache
Severe back pain
Blindness (in survivors)
Affected Regions
India
Africa
Brazil
China
Europe (early 1900s)
Sources & References
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