Smallpox is considered one of the deadliest infectious diseases in history, with an estimated 300 million deaths worldwide in the 20th century alone.
The global vaccination campaign successfully eradicated smallpox, making it the only human disease to be eliminated globally.
Despite its eradication, smallpox virus samples are still stored in high-security government laboratories in the United States and Russia, where they remain frozen at subzero temperatures. These samples, although considered “live,” are stored to aid in research for developing vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools for various pathogens.
While the chances of accidental release are low, many argue that the benefits of keeping these samples outweigh the risks.
Some believe that studying the virus can provide insights into its evolution and interactions with the immune system. However, others argue that sufficient data on the smallpox virus already exists to continue research without using live samples.
Concerns also arise about the potential existence of unknown smallpox strains that could lead to accidental outbreaks or be used as biological weapons.
Debates around the smallpox stockpile have persisted for decades, with the World Health Organization delaying plans for destruction multiple times. Despite its eradication, the question of why smallpox is kept in laboratories continues to spark controversy.
This article by Will Summers of Salisbury explores the reasons behind keeping smallpox in a laboratory.
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