What factors contributed to the eradication of smallpox?

What factors contributed to the eradication of smallpox?

Several biological reasons favored the eradication of smallpox, the most important of which were probably that recurrent infectivity did not occur, that there was no animal reservoir, and that an effective stable vaccine was available.

Who eradicated smallpox?

Thanks to the success of vaccination, the last natural outbreak of smallpox in the United States occurred in 1949. In 1980, the World Health Assembly declared smallpox eradicated (eliminated), and no cases of naturally occurring smallpox have happened since.

Why was smallpox a good candidate for eradication?

Smallpox was a suitable candidate for eradication for several reasons. The disease was passed directly between people, without an intervening vector, so there were no reservoirs. Its distinctive rash made it relatively straight- forward to diagnose, and survivors gained lifetime immunity.

What eradicated viruses?

Widespread immunization and surveillance were conducted around the world for several years. The last known natural case was in Somalia in 1977. In 1980 WHO declared smallpox eradicated – the only infectious disease to achieve this distinction.

When was global eradication of smallpox?

World Free of Smallpox Almost two centuries after Jenner hoped that vaccination could annihilate smallpox, the 33rd World Health Assembly declared the world free of this disease on May 8, 1980. Many people consider smallpox eradication to be the biggest achievement in international public health.

How did we eradicate smallpox from the human population?

Since smallpox only infects us, once the human population was vaccinated the virus was wiped out. Effective vaccination also helped in the eradication process. The smallpox vaccine can prevent infection up to four days after initial exposure.

How was smallpox eradicated globally?

Smallpox was fatal in up to 30% of cases. Smallpox has existed for at least 3000 years and was one of the world’s most feared diseases until it was eradicated by a collaborative global vaccination programme led by the World Health Organization. The last known natural case was in Somalia in 1977.

How do disease get eradicated?

Without an effective treatment against a disease there is no possibility of eradicating it. The treatment can be either preventative, such as vaccination, or curative, such as drugs that can completely eliminate the pathogen that causes the disease from its host.

Where is smallpox stored?

In light of this incident, all known stocks of the smallpox virus were destroyed or transferred to one of two World Health Organization reference laboratories which had BSL-4 facilities—the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States and the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology …