Smallpox

Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by one of two variants of the virus, Variola major and Variola minor. The last naturally occurring case was diagnosed in October 1977, and in 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) certified global eradication of the disease. The risk of death following infection was about 30%, with higher infant rates. The symptoms of the disease included fever and vomiting. This was followed by the formation of sores in the mouth and a skin rash. In further days the skin rash changes into characteristic fluid-filled bumps with a dent in the center. The disease was transmitted among individuals, or through contaminated artifacts.