Last Natural Smallpox Case Found: The Disease Is Almost Gone
The World Health Organization confirmed the final natural case of smallpox in Somalia's Merca district, sealing a global victory that eliminated a disease which once killed millions annually. This triumph stands as the only time humanity has completely wiped out a major infectious pathogen through coordinated vaccination efforts.
October 26, 1977
49 years ago
Key Figures & Places
World Health Organization
Wikipedia
vaccination
Wikipedia
smallpox
Wikipedia
Somalia
Wikipedia
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Wikipedia
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Wikipedia
World Health Organization
Wikipedia
Smallpox
Wikipedia
Vaccination
Wikipedia
Ali Maow Maalin
Wikipedia
Merca (Somalia)
Wikipedia
What Else Happened on October 26
Roman soldiers arrested Demetrius during Emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians. He was a deacon in Thessaloniki, secretly baptizing converts. They lock…
Der Apollontempel zu Daphne brennt bis auf die Grundmauern nieder. Der römische Kaiser Julian bezichtigt die Christen der Brandstiftung und lässt zahlreiche Kir…
en la basílica de Santa María la Mayor (Roma), los seguidores del papa Dámaso I atacan a los seguidores del papa Ursino ―que hoy se cuenta entre los 36 antipapa…
en Constantinopla (Imperio bizantino) se registra un fuerte terremoto.
The earthquake hit Constantinople at dawn. The city walls cracked. The aqueduct collapsed. Thousands died in their homes. Emperor Leo III was in the palace when…
bataille de Kojima (guerre de Genpei), les hommes du clan Minamoto l'emportent sur ceux du clan Taira.
Talk to History
Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.