Smallpox Outbreak in Australia Linked to British Vial
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1d ago

Smallpox Outbreak in Australia Linked to British Vial

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A new study suggests a vial of smallpox scabs from Britain was the likely source of a devastating 1789 outbreak among Indigenous Australians. The modeling research sheds light on a long-debated historical event.

A new modeling study has determined that a British vial of smallpox scabs likely triggered the devastating 1789 outbreak among Indigenous Australians. It had long been debated what started the outbreak, but researchers now believe they have found the answer.

The source states the study provides the “likely” answer to how the outbreak began, though it does not detail specifics about the modeling methodology or research team involved. The article focuses solely on the conclusion reached regarding the origin of the 1789 smallpox epidemic and its connection to materials originating from Britain.

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