1974 smallpox epidemic in India
1974 Smallpox Epidemic in India
The 1974 Smallpox Epidemic in India (pronunciation: 1974 smawl-poks eh-pi-deh-mik in in-dee-uh) was a significant health crisis that occurred in India in the year 1974. The epidemic was caused by the Smallpox virus, a highly contagious and deadly disease.
Etymology
The term "Smallpox" is derived from the Latin word Variola, meaning "spotted", referring to the characteristic pustules that form on the skin of those infected. The term "Epidemic" is derived from the Greek epi- meaning "upon" and demos meaning "people", referring to a widespread occurrence of a disease in a community at a particular time.
Background
Smallpox, caused by the Variola virus, is a highly contagious disease that has been responsible for several epidemics throughout history. The 1974 epidemic in India was one of the last major outbreaks of the disease before its global eradication in 1980 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Epidemic
The 1974 Smallpox Epidemic in India began in the early months of the year and quickly spread across the country. Despite efforts to control the spread of the disease through vaccination, the epidemic resulted in a significant number of deaths and caused widespread panic and fear.
Aftermath
The aftermath of the 1974 Smallpox Epidemic in India led to a renewed global effort to eradicate the disease. The WHO, with the support of countries around the world, launched an intensive global smallpox eradication campaign. By 1980, the WHO declared smallpox eradicated, making it the first disease to be eradicated by human effort.
Related Terms
- Epidemiology: The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
- Virus: A small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism.
- Vaccination: The administration of a vaccine to help the immune system develop protection from a disease.
- World Health Organization: A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on 1974 smallpox epidemic in India
- Wikipedia's article - 1974 smallpox epidemic in India
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