Not mentioned in the article: In the 20th century alone, experts estimate, it took up to a half billion lives, more than all the wars and epidemics put together. [1]

Think about that: it killed more than WWI and WWII and all other 20th century wars combined.

[1] https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/15/science/smallpox-the-once...

Literally the first paragraph of the article:

> Smallpox was one of the worst diseases in human history. It killed an estimated 300 million people or more in the 20th century alone; only tuberculosis and malaria have been more deadly. Its victims were often children, even infants.

It's the contrast to wars, which is not mentioned, that I find most interesting.

I see. That makes sense then.