Brits' Plan in 1788 to Stop Smallpox May Have Backfired
New research suggests smallpox scabs used by British doctors for inoculation may have introduced the deadly disease to Australia in 1788.
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The brief
New modeling and research indicate that a 1789 smallpox epidemic in Sydney originated from the First Fleet. The disease may have been introduced via smallpox scabs used by British doctors to inoculate patients.
Coverage from Phys.org, The Conversation, and Smithsonian Magazine emphasizes that the outbreak killed as many as 220,000 Indigenous Australians. Nature and Newser also report on the findings regarding the colonial introduction of the virus.
Future attention remains on the research regarding how the British plan to stop smallpox may have backfired during the colonial period.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 1h ago.
Quick answers
How many people died in the 1789 smallpox outbreak?
Modeling reveals the epidemic killed as many as 220,000 Indigenous Australians.
How did the disease likely arrive in Australia?
Research suggests the disease came from the First Fleet, specifically through smallpox scabs used by British doctors for patient inoculation.
Which outlets are reporting on this research?
The findings are being covered by Phys.org, The Conversation, Smithsonian Magazine, Nature, and Newser.
Coverage (5)
- Modeling reveals Sydney's 1789 smallpox outbreak killed as many as 220,000 indigenous Australians Phys.org · 9h ago
- Sydney’s 1789 smallpox epidemic came from the First Fleet and killed up to 220,000 Indigenous Australians: new research The Conversation · 9h ago
- Smallpox Scabs That British Doctors Used to Inoculate Patients May Have Introduced the Deadly Disease to Australia, New Research Suggests Smithsonian Magazine · 9h ago
- Smallpox in colonial Australia Nature · 9h ago
- Brits' Plan in 1788 to Stop Smallpox May Have Backfired Newser · 9h ago
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