Am J Epidemiol 2002; 156:586.
Copyright © 2002 by the
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
BOOK REVIEWS |
From the Editor: More about Smallpox!
As we consider the possibility that smallpox might be reintroduced into human populations as an agent of bioterrorism, many epidemiologists will want to refresh their knowledge of this former scourge. For these, the definitive publication is: Smallpox and Its Eradication, by Fenner et al. (1). However, for those interested only in a succinct, but authoritative, account of the World Health Organization-sponsored eradication program, Fenner’s article: "A Successful Eradication Campaign: Global Eradication of Smallpox" (2) will be informative. For a broad view of bioterrorism, D. A. Henderson’s thought-provoking article in the journal Science, entitled, "The Looming Threat of Bioterrorism" (3) may be found useful. Henderson directed the World Health Organization eradication program and is now a principle advisor to the Bush administration on bioterrorism and biologic warfare. Of course, a literature search today will bring forward a plethora of relevant (and not so relevant) publications.
In this context, let me draw your attention to a recent book review in JAMA. The review (4), authored by E. R. Rhoades of the University of Oklahoma, College of Public Health, describes E. A. Fenn’s book, Pox Americana: The Great Smallpox Epidemic of 1775–82 (5). According to Rhoades, the book provides an insight into the influential interaction of smallpox and the early history of the nation. It reportedly deals with issues such as prevention by variolation, George Washington’s decision regarding inoculation of the Continental Army, the impact on trade with the plains Indians, and other economic and social consequences of smallpox epidemics. According to Rhoades, "One comes away from this excellent book feeling that the author has almost presented early US history from the perspective of the pox itself, not an uninteresting approach" (4, p. 2720).
REFERENCES
- Fenner F, Henderson DA, Arita I, et al. Smallpox and its eradication. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization,1988.
- Fenner F. A successful eradication campaign: global eradication of smallpox. Rev Infect Dis 1982;4:916–30.[Web of Science][Medline]
- Henderson DA. The looming threat of bioterrorism. Science 1999;283:1279–82.
[Abstract/Free Full Text] - Rhoades ER. Smallpox: Pox Americana: the great smallpox epidemic of 1775–82. JAMA 2002;287:2719–20.
[Free Full Text] - Fenn EA. Pox Americana: the great smallpox epidemic of 1775–82. New York, NY: Hill & Wang, 2001.
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