Smallpox from Ramses V to the Final Case
Mondays: April 7 and 14, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $30; non-member price: $45
Presented by Bee Bloeser
Smallpox has been referred to as humankind's most feared disease, and its eradication was an achievement many experts declared to be impossible. This course will look at the fascinating history of the disease, the dynasties it dethroned, its role in America's War of Independence and beyond, attempts to control it through the ages, and finally the discovery of an effective vaccine. Then, after a look at the political backstory, we'll home in on the USAID-funded CDC vaccination teams sent to West Africa in the first phase of the global campaign. We'll learn about one public health family's experiences in war-torn Nigeria and then in Equatorial Guinea, which was then suffering under the brutal regime of a President-turned-dictator. We will have a look at WHO and the campaign's triumphant conclusion. We'll also acknowledge post-eradication concerns.