Experts have raised concerns that smallpox, eradicated worldwide in 1980, could indirectly contribute to a future global pandemic. The virus, medically known as variola, was eliminated after a worldwide vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO). Today, live samples of smallpox are strictly stored in a few high-security laboratories, making direct outbreaks extremely unlikely.

However, scientists warn that the eradication of smallpox has left populations increasingly susceptible to other related viruses from the orthopoxvirus family. With natural immunity against poxviruses declining, viruses such as monkeypox, borealpox, buffalopox, and camelpox could potentially fill the ecological niche left by smallpox and spark new outbreaks.

Also Read: Nipah Virus outbreak: Symptoms, risks, and safety measures explained

The 20th century saw nearly 50 million deaths due to smallpox, highlighting the catastrophic potential of highly contagious poxviruses. Experts emphasize that vigilance, monitoring, and research into vaccines for emerging poxvirus threats are essential to prevent future pandemics.

Health authorities urge governments and international organizations to strengthen global surveillance of orthopoxviruses and invest in research to develop countermeasures before a potential outbreak occurs.