[FITZ]

Among the things that I found out there, was that Smallpox only has about a 30% mortality rate.

That wouldn't mean you'd ONLY lose just one of your kids if you have 3 kids, some families might not lose any but others will lose all their kids. Death isn't the only problem with this disease, the survivors are often left blind and all are left with terrible disfiguring scars.

[Riley]

That wouldn't mean you'd ONLY lose just one of your kids if you have 3 kids, some families might not lose any but others will lose all their kids.

I say 'only', because I thought it was a much higher mortality rate- like 80-90%.

[Age of Reason]

all are left with terrible disfiguring scars.

One warrior king, Charles XII of Sweeden, considered his smallpox scars a sign of manliness.

(Not much consolation for the ladies, though.)

[jwrogers]

Smallpox "only" has a 30% mortality rate? Or is that the mortality rate for smallpox YEARS AGO? The fact is that no one is sure what the mortality rate for smallpox is right now, in an environment that hasn't seen the smallpox virus in 30 years. Kids don't play outside these days-- they sit inside watching TV and playing video games. They use antibacterial soap and sterile toys, and they might not build up as much immuno-defense as they need. We just don't know. As for the flu vaccine, I think anyone in a risk category needs it. For strong young healthy people, it might be a good idea to let your immune system handle some of these bugs and build immunity naturally.

[meridia]

Hi there, Fitz. The AVERAGE rate of mortality is 30%; however, the last time there was an outbreak in Canada, FIFTY PERCENT of people who contracted small pox died.

I do not understand how anyone can ever say, "ONLY thirty percent."

IF there is ever even ONE case of smallpox anywhere on the planet, the World Health Organization will consider it an international health emergency.

[CoolH2OH]

I mentioned that 30% figure to someone and they said it doesn't matter if you or your family is one of the 30%.