Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin
Smallpox was eradicated one person at a time (npr.org)
4 points by jojodoi on Sept 1, 2023 | hide | past | favorite | 3 comments


On May 8, 1980. the 33rd World Health Assembly declared the world free of smallpox. This marked the first—and only—time a human disease had been eradicated globally.


From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eradication_of_infectious_dise...

Only 30 cases in 2022. Fingers crossed.

Relevant xkcd: https://xkcd.com/2448/


Too bad almost every large military has tested it as a biowarfare agent at some point.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: