Smallpox (Variola Virus)

Smallpox, one of the deadliest diseases, has a history dating back to the third century BCE. It spread globally with civilization growth, causing over a billion deaths. The variola virus, part of the pox virus family, is responsible for smallpox. It spreads through airborne droplets and has a unique replication process. Symptoms include fever, rash, and potential scarring. Recovery provides immunity, and the virus only infects humans. Smallpox was eradicated through a global vaccination effort led by the WHO, with the last natural case in 1977. This eradication is a major medical triumph.

What are the long-term effects of smallpox on individuals who recover from it?

What were the key milestones in the eradication of smallpox?