Smallpox in Victorian England: Causes, Spread & Impact

Smallpox in Victorian Britain was caused by the variola virus. Highly contagious, it spread via direct contact, fomites (contaminated objects), and respiratory droplets. Major outbreaks occurred throughout the 19th century, killing an estimated 400,000 people in Great Britain. Case fatality reached 30% before eradication.

Edward Jenner's 1796 cowpox vaccine laid the foundation for control, but widespread vaccination and public health measures took decades. The last UK case was in 1978; global eradication was certified in 1980.