Smallpox in the 19th century – lessons learned from a historical manuscript

Abstract

Smallpox is said to have been eradicated by smallpox vaccination. However, the data in this historical report shows that the majority of those infected and almost half of those who died were vaccinated. Nevertheless, as the denominators varied widely, the vaccine was considered to be highly effective. In addition to vaccination rates, the report also describes other factors that influenced the transmission of the infection, such as population density and proximity to a smallpox hospital. It also describes the extensive isolation measures organised by Sheffield's residents themselves. Barry's report is a rich source of fascinating medical and epidemiological information and reflects the controversial debate about compulsory smallpox vaccination in the 19th century. This is the first time an approach to the document as a complex historical source has been presented in its entirety. The conclusion is that a revision of historical smallpox literature is essential.