The (Second) Deadliest Virus
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell・1 minute read
Smallpox, a deadly disease caused by the variola virus, infects the body through small droplets, deactivating defense systems and leading to widespread cell death, rash, and organ failure. Vaccinations using cowpox led to the eradication of smallpox in 1980 after a global effort, marking a significant victory for humanity.
Insights
- Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, was a deadly disease infecting immune cells and spreading rapidly, leading to organ failure and death.
- The discovery of using cowpox for vaccinations, replacing risky variolation, was a pivotal moment in eradicating smallpox globally in 1980, showcasing a significant victory for humanity.
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Recent questions
What is smallpox?
A: Smallpox is a highly deadly disease caused by the variola virus that has killed millions throughout history.
How does the variola virus infect the body?
A: The variola virus infects the body through small droplets, targeting immune cells and spreading rapidly.
What are the effects of smallpox on the body?
A: Smallpox causes widespread cell death, leading to a rash, lesions, and organ failure in infected individuals.
How was smallpox eradicated?
A: Smallpox was eradicated through a global effort in 1980, marking a significant victory for humanity.
What was the breakthrough in smallpox vaccination?
A: The breakthrough in smallpox vaccination came when scientists discovered cowpox could be used for safer vaccinations.
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Summary
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Eradication of Smallpox: A Historic Triumph
- Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, was a highly deadly disease that killed millions throughout history.
- The virus infects the body through small droplets, targeting immune cells and spreading rapidly.
- Variola deactivates interferons and other defense systems, allowing it to infect billions of cells.
- The virus causes widespread cell death, leading to a rash, lesions, and organ failure.
- Smallpox either leads to recovery with lifelong immunity or death, with a third of infected individuals not surviving.
- Variolation, using scabs from mild smallpox cases, was a risky practice to gain immunity.
- The breakthrough came when scientists discovered cowpox could be used for safer vaccinations.
- A global effort led to the eradication of smallpox in 1980, marking a significant victory for humanity.
