When was the last recorded case of smallpox in the United States?

The last recorded case of smallpox in the United States occurred in 1949. This is significant because it marks the end of a disease that had a devastating impact on human health for centuries. Smallpox vaccination efforts began in the 18th century and continued throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, eventually leading to widespread immunity among the population. By the late 1940s, due to effective vaccination campaigns, the incidence of smallpox had dramatically decreased, ultimately resulting in the last case in the U.S. being reported in 1949.

Following this period, smallpox was completely eradicated worldwide in 1980, thanks to a global vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization. Therefore, understanding the timeline of smallpox cases in the United States is critical to recognizing the triumphs of immunization and public health efforts.