Smallpox—Old and New

The article discusses the history and current status of smallpox, an infectious disease caused by a virus. Smallpox was one of the most serious diseases in human history, causing millions of deaths. The disease was transmitted through the air and was characterized by a typical skin rash. Through vaccination efforts and global initiatives, the disease was officially declared eradicated in 1980. The article emphasizes the importance of vaccination in combating infectious diseases. Historical data shows that smallpox had a high mortality rate, particularly in children and elderly people.