1
Cells, Microbes & Viruses / Is smallpox really eradicated?
« on: 10/03/2011 13:30:03 »
Susan Forsyth asked the Naked Scientists:
Hi Chris,
Love the show.
While living in North America - Canada, I often come across the statement in the US ' We have eradicated Smallpox!' I was brought up with the knowledge that smallpox still exists in parts of the world and is only biding it's time to flare again.
In the 1960's it was in Stockholm and came from Africa. India is also a hot spot, so I understand.
My question is - is it gone from existence or if it is still around where is it and what is the likelihood of it becoming wide spread owing to the fact that immunisations are not being carried out everywhere?
Thanks for all you do, making it easy for everyone to understand what sometimes is gobbledegook to us laypeople.
Regards to all your helpers.........
Susan Forsyth, a Canadian listener, late of Worthing, Sussex.
What do you think?
Hi Chris,
Love the show.
While living in North America - Canada, I often come across the statement in the US ' We have eradicated Smallpox!' I was brought up with the knowledge that smallpox still exists in parts of the world and is only biding it's time to flare again.
In the 1960's it was in Stockholm and came from Africa. India is also a hot spot, so I understand.
My question is - is it gone from existence or if it is still around where is it and what is the likelihood of it becoming wide spread owing to the fact that immunisations are not being carried out everywhere?
Thanks for all you do, making it easy for everyone to understand what sometimes is gobbledegook to us laypeople.
Regards to all your helpers.........
Susan Forsyth, a Canadian listener, late of Worthing, Sussex.
What do you think?