Brits' Plan in 1788 to Stop Smallpox May Have Backfired
New research suggests British inoculation efforts in 1788 may have inadvertently triggered a catastrophic smallpox outbreak in colonial Australia.
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The brief
Modeling research indicates that the 1789 smallpox epidemic in Sydney resulted in the deaths of as many as 220,000 Indigenous Australians. Scientists suggest the disease was introduced via smallpox scabs carried by the First Fleet intended for inoculation purposes.
Coverage from Phys.org, The Conversation, Smithsonian Magazine, Nature, and Newser emphasizes the link between British medical practices and the subsequent epidemic. Reports highlight the potential for well-intentioned containment measures to have facilitated the spread of the virus.
Future reports may clarify the specific chain of transmission from the First Fleet to the local population. Coverage does not yet specify how the historical medical records will be integrated into broader institutional accounts of colonial Australia.
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Quick answers
What caused the 1789 smallpox epidemic in Australia?
New research suggests the disease was introduced by the First Fleet through smallpox scabs intended for inoculation.
How many people died in the outbreak?
Modeling indicates that as many as 220,000 Indigenous Australians died during the epidemic.
What is the source of this new data?
The findings are based on recent modeling and research published in Nature and covered by outlets including The Conversation and Smithsonian Magazine.
Coverage (6)
- Stochastic models indicate rapid smallpox spread and mass mortality of Indigenous Australians after colonial exposure Nature · 15h ago
- Modeling reveals Sydney's 1789 smallpox outbreak killed as many as 220,000 indigenous Australians Phys.org · 15h ago
- Sydney’s 1789 smallpox epidemic came from the First Fleet and killed up to 220,000 Indigenous Australians: new research The Conversation · 15h ago
- Smallpox Scabs That British Doctors Used to Inoculate Patients May Have Introduced the Deadly Disease to Australia, New Research Suggests Smithsonian Magazine · 15h ago
- Smallpox in colonial Australia Nature · 15h ago
- Brits' Plan in 1788 to Stop Smallpox May Have Backfired Newser · 15h ago
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