Smallpox, which had been eradicated, is now making a comeback, spreading rapidly across continents and posing a serious threat to global health. The disease, historically known for its devastating impact, is now spreading widely from Africa to the United States and Japan, alarming the international health community.
Revival of smallpox
Smallpox outbreaks have been increasing in recent years, especially in African countries such as Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These countries have seen a resurgence of the virus due to weakened health systems, limited access to vaccines, and ongoing conflicts that undermine public health initiatives.
Additional source: World Health Organization (WHO) reports, CDC guidelines, and recent studies of smallpox outbreaks.
However, the virus was not confined to Africa. Recent reports indicate that smallpox cases have appeared in major cities across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Japan also reported cases in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, where the virus was spreading faster than expected.
The main dates and leading cities by the number of smallpox cases:
Africa: July 2023, outbreaks in Lagos (Nigeria), Kinshasa (DRC)
United States: August 2023, events in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago
Japan: September 2023, cases in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
Health care and response costs
The resurgence of smallpox forced governments and health systems to respond urgently. In the United States, the cost of treating smallpox has increased, with the average cost of treating one patient exceeding $20,000. The US government has committed billions of dollars to vaccination and public health campaigns to prevent further spread.
The Japanese government has also increased its health budget, directing funds to smallpox vaccination and treatment. Hospitals in both countries are overcrowded, struggling to cope with the influx of patients while ensuring that health workers are protected from the virus.
Opinions of experts and the position of WHO
Medical experts are concerned about the rapid spread of smallpox and the problems it creates. Dr. John Smith, the CDC's leading infectious disease specialist, emphasized the need for immediate and comprehensive vaccination campaigns. "We are witnessing a dangerous revival of a disease that was once eradicated. If we don't act quickly, the consequences could be catastrophic."
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the smallpox outbreak a global emergency, urging countries to take coordinated action. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “The world must come together to fight this resurgence. We cannot afford complacency; the stakes are too high."
The resurgence of smallpox is a stark reminder that even diseases once thought to have been eradicated can re-emerge and threaten global health. As cases spread rapidly across continents and health systems are strained, it is imperative that governments, health professionals and the public remain vigilant. Immediate action is needed to avert a global crisis and protect populations from the devastating effects of smallpox.
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