[Smallpox in Ferrara in the nineteenth century].

Area of Science:

• Historical Epidemiology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• This study examines 19th-century smallpox mortality and epidemic control methods in Ferrara, Italy.
• Historical records from the Ferrara City Council Archives were analyzed for data spanning the entire century.

Observation:

• 710 smallpox deaths were recorded in Ferrara, with a higher incidence in males and predominantly among children under five.
• Mortality peaked in specific years, with the majority of deaths occurring in the first half of the century, declining thereafter.

Findings:

• Smallpox control strategies in the 19th century included free vaccine supply, universal vaccination mandates, and informed public consent.
• Vaccination in Ferrara commenced in 1801 and was consistently applied from 1812, increasing coverage from 3% to 7% by the century's end.

Implications:

• 19th-century public health approaches to smallpox vaccination share striking similarities with contemporary vaccination program principles.
• The historical analysis highlights the long-term impact of vaccination on reducing infectious disease mortality and the challenges of public acceptance.