Rahima Banu

Last known person to be infected with naturally occurring smallpox

Rahima Banu, the last known person to be infected with naturally occurring smallpox

Rahima Banu Begum (born 16 October 1972) is a Bangladeshi woman who is known for being the last person to be infected with naturally occurring variola major, the most severe form of the smallpox virus. Her case marked a significant milestone in the global effort to eradicate smallpox, a disease that had plagued humanity for centuries.

Early Life

Rahima Banu was born in the village of Kuralia on the island of Bhola in Bangladesh. She grew up in a rural setting, typical of many Bangladeshi families at the time, with limited access to modern healthcare facilities. Her family was involved in agriculture, which was the primary occupation in the region.

Smallpox Infection

In October 1975, at the age of two, Rahima Banu contracted smallpox. The disease manifested as a severe rash and high fever, which are characteristic symptoms of smallpox. Her case was reported to the local health authorities by her mother, who sought medical help for her daughter.

The World Health Organization (WHO) had been conducting an intensive smallpox eradication campaign, and Rahima's case was quickly identified as a potential outbreak. Health workers, including epidemiologists and public health officials, were dispatched to her village to contain the spread of the virus.

Containment and Eradication Efforts

Upon confirmation of Rahima Banu's infection, a massive containment effort was launched. The WHO implemented a strategy known as "ring vaccination," which involved vaccinating all individuals in the surrounding area to prevent the spread of the virus. This strategy was crucial in ensuring that the virus did not spread beyond Rahima's immediate environment.

The successful containment of Rahima Banu's case was a pivotal moment in the global smallpox eradication campaign. It demonstrated the effectiveness of the ring vaccination strategy and highlighted the importance of rapid response and surveillance in controlling infectious diseases.

Significance

Rahima Banu's case is historically significant as it represents the last known instance of naturally occurring variola major infection. Her recovery and the subsequent absence of new cases marked the end of an era for smallpox, leading to the declaration of the disease's eradication in 1980 by the WHO.

The eradication of smallpox is considered one of the greatest achievements in public health. It showcased the power of coordinated international efforts and the potential for eradicating other infectious diseases through similar strategies.

Later Life

After recovering from smallpox, Rahima Banu continued to live in Bangladesh. Her case remains a point of reference in medical and public health education, illustrating the impact of smallpox and the success of eradication efforts.

Related Pages

• Smallpox
• World Health Organization
• Vaccination
• Epidemiology