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| - Last Updated on November 29, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that the disappearance of smallpox is one of the great medical mysteries. We did the fact check to term this claim as false.
The Claim
A post on X (formerly Twitter) claims: “The disappearance of smallpox remains one of the great medical mysteries of our time. Can’t possibly think how it happened. We must research this more. No proper studies were ever done. I just want more data.”
The claim was accompanied by a graph showing a steep decline in smallpox cases from the early 1900s to the 1970s, with the suggestion that the cause of this disappearance is unclear and should be further researched.
Fact Check
Is there any mystery surrounding the global eradication of smallpox?
No, there is no mystery. The decline in smallpox cases, as shown in the graph, was not unexplained. It resulted from well-documented public health measures such as vaccination campaigns, surveillance, and international cooperation. The eradication process was thoroughly planned and backed by extensive research, including studies on vaccine effectiveness and outbreak monitoring. Therefore, the statement that no studies were done is false. Despite the crucial role of vaccines, some people claim vaccines did not help in eradicating smallpox.
What actually happened with smallpox eradication?
Smallpox was a devastating viral disease caused by the variola virus. It was responsible for millions of deaths across the world. By the 20th century, it had become one of the deadliest diseases known to humankind. However, the disappearance of smallpox was not a sudden or unexplained event. Instead, it was the result of a carefully coordinated global effort.
- Vaccination efforts:
- The smallpox vaccine, introduced in the 18th century, was a breakthrough in preventing the disease. By the mid-1900s, the WHO launched mass vaccination campaigns worldwide.
- The vaccine was effective in preventing new infections by exposing people to a weakened version of the virus, allowing the body to develop immunity.
- Surveillance and containment:
- As shown in the graph, the number of reported smallpox cases began to fall dramatically in the 1950s. This decline was driven by strong surveillance systems that detected and isolated new cases rapidly.
- Contact tracing and quarantine measures helped prevent the spread of the disease, while vaccination teams were dispatched to areas with outbreaks.
- International cooperation:
- The WHO led the global effort to eradicate smallpox. Nations collaborated to provide vaccines, share knowledge, and track cases. This coordinated effort ensured that resources were allocated effectively to areas in most need.
Why is the graph in the tweet misleading?
The graph, while accurate, does not tell the full story. It shows a steep decline in reported smallpox cases but omits crucial context. Early 20th-century figures were underreported due to limited surveillance and diagnostic capabilities. As the eradication campaign progressed, better reporting systems captured cases more accurately, showing the campaign’s impact.
Additionally, the graph might mislead readers into thinking that the decline happened naturally. In reality, it was the result of decades of systematic vaccination and public health efforts.
THIP Media Take
The claim that the disappearance of smallpox is one of the great medical mysteries is false. Its eradication was the result of a focused global effort involving vaccination, surveillance, and international collaboration. While vaccines played a pivotal role in eliminating smallpox, some people continue to question their effectiveness against infections. The graph clearly illustrates the decline in smallpox cases, emphasising that this success was due to strategic public health interventions, not an unexplained phenomenon. Smallpox’s eradication remains a landmark achievement in public health, showcasing the remarkable impact of science, global unity, and coordinated public health action.
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