History Daily: The Defeat of Smallpox

Release Date: December 9, 2024
Host: Lindsay Graham
Production: Airship, Noiser, Wondery

Introduction: The Dawn of Smallpox's Devastation

[00:07] Vanessa de Hahn:
The episode opens on July 1, 1520, in the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, Mexico. Host Lindsay Graham sets the stage with a vivid battle scene where the nobleman Klitliwak leads tens of thousands of Aztecs against the Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés. Initially welcomed with gifts, the Spanish betrayal leads to violent skirmishes. Although the Aztecs repel Cortés's forces, they inadvertently leave behind a more lethal foe: smallpox.

"Though defeated in battle, these Spanish invaders have inadvertently left behind an enemy more powerful than any army."
— Lindsay Graham [00:07]

The Devastating Impact of Smallpox on the Aztecs

[01:48] Vanessa de Hahn:
Within a year of Cortés’s departure, smallpox ravages the Aztec population, killing 40% of Tenochtitlan’s inhabitants. This epidemic not only decimates the population but also weakens the Aztecs' capacity to defend against future invasions. The tragedy marks the beginning of smallpox's grim legacy in the Americas, leading to millions of deaths globally over the centuries.

"Now Cuitloak and his fellow citizens are hungry for revenge."
— Lindsay Graham [00:07]

Early Attempts at Inoculation: Variolation in Constantinople

[03:39] Vanessa de Hahn:
Fast forward to March 1718 in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey). Lady Mary Wurtzley Montague, an English aristocrat scarred by smallpox, seeks protection for her son. She discovers variolation, an early form of inoculation practiced by locals. This method involves deliberately infecting a healthy person with a mild form of smallpox to confer immunity. Despite skepticism, Lady Mary’s successful inoculation of her son and later her daughter paves the way for broader acceptance among European elites.

"Variolation involves deliberately infecting healthy people with a mild form of smallpox."
— Vanessa de Hahn [03:39]

Variolation Experiments and Public Acceptance

[08:12] Vanessa de Hahn:
In August 1721, Newgate Prison in London becomes the site of a groundbreaking experiment. Ann Tompion, a condemned pickpocket, volunteers for variolation in exchange for her freedom. Her successful recovery without severe symptoms convinces the King of England to permit variolation for his granddaughters, although he remains cautious about its broader application due to inherent risks.

"Variolation is dangerous. It infects healthy people with smallpox."
— Vanessa de Hahn [08:11]

The Birth of Vaccination: Dr. Edward Jenner’s Revolutionary Approach

[12:46] Vanessa de Hahn:
On May 14, 1796, in Gloucestershire, England, Dr. Edward Jenner conducts a pivotal experiment that would change the course of medical history. Observing that milkmaids like Sarah Nelms, who contracted cowpox, seemed immune to smallpox, Jenner hypothesizes that cowpox could provide protection against the more deadly virus. He successfully inoculates an eight-year-old boy with cowpox and later exposes him to smallpox. The boy remains unharmed, validating Jenner’s theory and leading to the development of the first vaccine.

"Dr. Jenner smiles encouragingly at the boy as he cuts two small incisions into the child's arm."
— Vanessa de Hahn [12:46]

Global Efforts and the World Health Organization’s Campaign

[20:13] Vanessa de Hahn:
The narrative shifts to October 30, 1977, in Merka, Somalia, where Ali MAU Mahlan becomes the last known smallpox case. Working as a vaccinator, Ali’s unvaccinated status leads to his infection, but swift containment by the World Health Organization (WHO) prevents further spread. Despite initial reports declaring the eradication of smallpox in December 1979, a final case emerges in August 1978 in East Birmingham Hospital, England. Janet Parker, a medical photographer, contracts smallpox from a nearby research laboratory, leading to her death and final confirmation of smallpox’s eradication a year later.

"Janet has smallpox. For the next three weeks, Great Britain's second largest city experiences a full-scale public health emergency."
— Vanessa de Hahn [20:13]

Conclusion: The Triumph Over a Deadly Disease

The episode culminates in celebrating the WHO’s monumental achievement in eradicating smallpox by December 9, 1979. From its destructive entry into the Americas to the development of vaccination and the relentless global campaign, smallpox’s defeat stands as a testament to human ingenuity and international cooperation. Dr. Edward Jenner is rightfully hailed as the father of immunology, his legacy immortalized alongside Blossom the cowpox cow, symbolizing the enduring fight against infectious diseases.

"Dr. Edward Jenner will go down in history as the father of immunology, the man who set the world on the path to freedom from smallpox."
— Vanessa de Hahn [20:13]

Notable Quotes:

• Lindsay Graham [00:07]:
  "Though defeated in battle, these Spanish invaders have inadvertently left behind an enemy more powerful than any army."

• Vanessa de Hahn [03:39]:
  "Variolation involves deliberately infecting healthy people with a mild form of smallpox."

• Vanessa de Hahn [08:11]:
  "Variolation is dangerous. It infects healthy people with smallpox."

• Vanessa de Hahn [12:46]:
  "Dr. Jenner smiles encouragingly at the boy as he cuts two small incisions into the child's arm."

• Vanessa de Hahn [20:13]:
  "Janet has smallpox. For the next three weeks, Great Britain's second largest city experiences a full-scale public health emergency."
  "Dr. Edward Jenner will go down in history as the father of immunology, the man who set the world on the path to freedom from smallpox."

Key Insights:

• Cultural and Historical Context:
  The initial encounters between the Aztecs and the Spanish not only led to political upheaval but also introduced devastating diseases like smallpox, which had long-term impacts on indigenous populations.

• Evolution of Medical Practices:
  From variolation in the 18th century to Jenner’s pioneering vaccination method, the fight against smallpox highlights the progression of medical science and public health strategies.

• Global Health Campaigns:
  The WHO's aggressive and coordinated efforts were instrumental in the eradication of smallpox, showcasing the power of international collaboration in combating infectious diseases.

• Legacy and Remembrance:
  The story underscores the importance of remembering both the victims and the heroes in the battle against smallpox, ensuring that the lessons learned continue to inform modern public health initiatives.

Conclusion:

"The Defeat of Smallpox" episode of History Daily offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of one of humanity's greatest public health achievements. Through detailed narratives and insightful commentary, host Lindsay Graham and researcher Vanessa de Hahn illuminate the historical, medical, and social dimensions of smallpox’s eradication. This triumph not only saved millions of lives but also paved the way for modern immunology and global health cooperation.

For listeners seeking to understand the profound impact of smallpox and the relentless efforts to defeat it, this episode serves as an essential and inspiring recount of history's battle against one of its deadliest foes.