Smallpox Models as Policy Tools1

Agent-Based Models As Policy Decision Tools: The Case of Smallpox Vaccination

An attempt at a new analysis of the mortality caused by smallpox and of the advantages of inoculation to prevent it. 1766.

INTRODUCTION Should the general population be vaccinated against smallpox (Variola Major)? Would the benefits of mass vaccination outweigh the risks? How many deaths would occur as the result of a mass vaccination campaign against smallpox? Can mathematical models of smallpox vaccination be used to determine health policy? Although smallpox was declared eradicated by the World Health Organizati...

Smallpox eradication in West and Central Africa: surveillance-containment or herd immunity?

The global eradication of smallpox stands among the most important public health achievements of the last century. However, fears that smallpox bioweapons have fallen into the hands of rogue states or terrorist organizations have rekindled interest in the methods used to control smallpox outbreaks. Surveillance-containment employing ring vaccination, whereby symptomatic smallpox cases were soug...

A Historical Investigation into Combatting Smallpox in Iran: 1948–1967 (First to Third Development Projects)

Smallpox was a dangerous disease that was considered one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in Iran up to Pahlavi II period. Therefore, combatting this disease was necessary. At the beginning of the second development plan (1955) and by founding Combatting Smallpox Service, the efforts for eradicating smallpox became more organized. This organization could overcome a lot of the d...

آبله و آمادگی برخورد با حملات بیوتروریستی

Smallpox is a serious infectious disease to have ever afflicted mankind. Smallpox is caused by variola virus, which belongs to a family of viruses known as poxviridae. Pox viruses are large DNA viruses which are 200-400 nm. The smallpox prodrome is characterized by the sudden on-set of high fever (38.5°C-40.5°C) and malaise 10 to 14 days after exposure. As populations grew and migrated, the dis...