Smallpox Timeline of Events

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Smallpox

Smallpox was an infectious disease unique to humans, caused by either of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. The disease is also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera, which is a derivative of the Latin varius, meaning "spotted", or varus, meaning "pimple"...

Timeline of Events

1796

5.14.1796

Edward Jenner administers the first smallpox vaccination.

1885

9.18.1885

Riots break out in Montreal to protest against compulsory smallpox vaccination.

1975

10.16.1975

Rahima Banu, a 2-year old girl from the village of Kuralia in Bangladesh, is the last known person to be infected with naturally occurring smallpox.

1977

10.26.1977

The last natural case of smallpox is discovered in Merca district, Somalia. The WHO and the CDC consider this date the anniversary of the eradication of smallpox, the most spectacular success of vaccination.

1979

12.9.1979

The eradication of the smallpox virus is certified, making smallpox the first and to date only human disease driven to extinction.

1980

5.8.1980

The eradication of smallpox is endorsed by the World Health Organization.