Smallpox

Lesson Objectives To investigate how Edward Jenner created the first vaccine in 1796 To justify whether Jenner was a turning point or not

Small pox Background: This highly contagious disease killed more than 500 million people in the 20th century before vaccinations eradicated it in 1977. Vaccinations stopped in 1980. Effects: Early symptoms like fever, headache and nausea occur for about 12 days. A Chickenpox-like rash spreads across the body, hardening into blisters. One-third of victims die. Treatment: None, though it can be prevented. Only 12 million doses of vaccine remain to protect the uninfected, enough for one of every 23 Americans.

1796 Edward Jenner