![]() During the French and Indian War, British forces used smallpox as a biological weapon to weaken the Indigenous tribes that assisted the French. When Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors arrived in the Americas, they brought smallpox with them, which devastated the Indigenous populations of South and Central America. The disease later spread to Asia and Europe. ![]() Smallpox likely originated in northeastern Africa around 10,000 B.C.E., though the exact location and time frame is uncertain. Symptoms of smallpox include fever, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and the characteristic pustules or pox. Among the deadliest and most widespread diseases was smallpox, caused by the microscopic variola virus. Without the advancements of modern medicine, many contracted illnesses proved fatal. Before the invention of vaccinations in 1796, people had very few ways to protect themselves from disease. Throughout history, disease outbreaks sparked fear for many. "," National Library of Medicine What is smallpox? ![]() This engraving depicts a developing smallpox pustule (figures 1 - 7), and the tools used for inoculation (figures 8 - 9).
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