It is always jolting to read news of a smallpox infection. The Idaho, Bonnie Daily Bee newspaper reported a story from 100 years ago today, of a smallpox infection in a school. It is surreal to think how calmly this report must have been received, since smallpox was still part of the human existence. What I also found interesting, is the encouragement to the readership to get the vaccination for smallpox because "there is no danger of infection or sore arms." One hundred years later, we are still encouraging people to get childhood vaccinations for their children, but with different objections, not founded in science. One has to wonder what will be published in the news format of the day, one hundred years from today. In one hundred years, will the readership wince in horror at the thought of a cold outbreak like we do for a smallpox outbreak? But the most important question is will we still be encouraging resisters to vaccinate their children, after another unnecessary outbreak of a disease?
Here's the report:
Here's the report:
100 Years Ago
Pend d’Oreille Review
Jan. 16, 1920 — SCHOOL CHILDREN EXPOSED
County Health Officer Wendle reported that a little girl in the Washington school building came down yesterday with smallpox. Her sister was home with the disease, the parents ascribing her symptoms to eczema, and not calling a physician.
Today the Washington school children are being vaccinated and two rooms exposed were fumigated. With 16 cases of smallpox reported in the county this week, Dr. Wendle advises general vaccination and states that under modern methods of vaccination there is no danger of infection and sore arms. 
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