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.
> 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.
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...