Small Pox Pandemic

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Small pox has a long historical background and it is estimated that small pox emerged around 10,000 BC. The possible traces of small pox are also detected in Egyptian Mummies that are 3000 years old. The small pox had a terrible impact around the globe and in non-native areas (US and Australia) it has affected populations there. According to an estimate, 400,000 Europeans died in 18th century due to small pox and became responsible for one third of all blindness. The small pox mostly infected children, and killed around 80% children and old age persons.

In 20th century, Small pox became responsible for the death of 300 million people across the entire world.
According to World Health Organization, estimated 15 million cases occurred which contracted small pox every year in 1967. The vaccination campaign started after 1967 and until 1979 small pox was eradicated globally. 

Eurasian Epidemic

Small pox could have been the major cause of the Athens Plague emerged in 430 BC during Peloposenian Wars. Antonie Plague described by Galen swept across Roman Empire in 165-80 AD, might be caused by Small pox. The soldiers that returned from Syria and Italy brought the virus home, which weakend the Roman Empire and almost killed one third of total population. Total count of deaths is about 5 million. Plague of Cyprian is also suspected with Small pox outbreak. One third of Japanese population may also have died due to small pox in 735.

 African Epidemic

The first suspected cases reported in those troops who went to attack Mecca in 568 AD, the battle is also known as Elephant War. In Islamic inscriptions Allah helped the holy city Mecca from destruction by using birds that pelted stones on elephants from sky. African coastal towns for Arab ports facilitated the transmission into Africa. 

What is Small pox?

Small pox was once a severe common disease around the world but is now eradicated globally by WHO vaccination campaigns. 
The two major strains of small pox virus have been reported Variola Minor and Variola Major. Variola Major was most severe and common reported cause of small pox. 

Transmission 

Small pox is caused by Variola virus. Mostly small pox is transferred from human to human. When an infected comes into contact with a healthy person, virus may be transferred through coughing, sneezing or handshake. 

Symptoms

  • Rapid onset of fever and may be recurrent 
  • Malaise ( uneasiness) 
  • Skin rash, initially at specific organs or on the whole body
  • Severe headache
  • Backache 
  • Abdominal Pain 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diaorrhea

Vaccination

Vaccination campaigns driven by WHO all over the world eradicate total presence of small pox virus. In fact the small pox vaccine injected into child for developing future immunity. 


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