TED-Ed: How we conquered the deadly smallpox virus - Simona Zompi

The video discusses the history of smallpox, a deadly virus that originated in northeastern Africa and spread globally, causing significant mortality. Early treatments like variolation were developed, but it was Edward Jenner's discovery of vaccination using cowpox that led to effective prevention. Jenner's work eventually led to the global eradication of smallpox, certified by the WHO in 1979.

What was the primary method through which smallpox spread globally?

• By insect bites

• Via Egyptian merchants and conquests

• Through contaminated food

• Through contaminated water sources

What was the main idea behind the practice of variolation?

• Avoiding contact with infected individuals

• Using cowpox to prevent smallpox

• Using smallpox scabs to inoculate healthy individuals

• Boiling herbs to create a protective potion

Who is credited with developing the smallpox vaccine?

• Louis Pasteur

• Edward Jenner

• Robert Koch

• Alexander Fleming

What observation led Edward Jenner to develop the smallpox vaccine?

• People who drank cow's milk were immune to smallpox

• People living in rural areas were less affected by smallpox

• Smallpox survivors never got the disease again

• Dairy maids who had cowpox did not get smallpox

What was the significant difference between variolation and vaccination?

• Vaccination was less effective than variolation

• Variolation was safer than vaccination

• Variolation used cowpox, while vaccination used smallpox

• Vaccination used cowpox, while variolation used smallpox