I am unsure if this should be under History or Biology, but it is a bit of both... I am confused on something regarding the history of smallpox and when the disease was considered "eradicated" and no longer a threat.

"Responsible for an estimated 300 million to 500 million deaths during the 20th century alone, smallpox has been one of humanity's most merciless scourges."

I just read this.

Then, at the end, it says... "A worldwide eradication campaign in the 20th century." Another website says that it is officially considered eradicated in 1980, and another says it is 1979.

Question

I am unsure if this should be under History or Biology, but it is a bit of both... I am confused on something regarding the history of smallpox and when the disease was considered "eradicated" and no longer a threat.


"Responsible for an estimated 300 million to 500 million deaths during the 20th century alone, smallpox has been one of humanity's most merciless scourges."

I just read this.

Then, at the end, it says... "A worldwide eradication campaign in the 20th century." Another website says that it is officially considered eradicated in 1980, and another says it is 1979.

cecil_the_weasel · Answer

Ah, year discrepancies... I'd go with 1980 but that's just me. As for deaths, I'd just assume that it means from 1901 to 1980.