Horizon Season 1997 Episode 5 Smallpox on Death Row

In Horizon season 1997 episode 5, titled "Smallpox on Death Row," viewers are taken on a journey through the history of smallpox, a disease that has caused widespread devastation throughout human civilization for thousands of years. The episode explores the origins of the virus, including how it became a deadly force in ancient societies, as well as how it evolved to become one of the most feared diseases of the modern era.

To understand the impact of smallpox on human societies, the episode takes a close look at one case in particular: the story of Arvid Nelson, a man on death row in the United States who contracted smallpox while serving time in prison in the late 1960s. Nelson's illness sparked a media frenzy, with many people in the United States fearing that a smallpox epidemic could spread through the prison population and beyond.

Horizon's documentary crew interviews key figures involved in the Nelson case, including health officials, prison administrators, and Nelson's own family members. They offer firsthand accounts of the panic that swept through the country as the disease spread, revealing the deep-seated fear that smallpox inspired in people during this era.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn about the challenges that medical professionals faced when trying to contain the spread of smallpox. They visit laboratories where researchers are working to decode the virus, and learn about the efforts being made to develop new vaccines and other treatments that can help prevent future outbreaks.

At the heart of "Smallpox on Death Row" is the story of Arvid Nelson himself. Through interviews with his family members and surviving prison officials, viewers get a sense of the man behind the headlines. They learn about his struggles with addiction and the events that led to his imprisonment, as well as the agony he endured as he fought to survive the disease that threatened to claim his life.

Ultimately, the episode offers a unique and compelling look at the ways that smallpox has shaped human history, both past and present. From the ancient world to the modern era, smallpox has left an indelible mark on human societies, and "Smallpox on Death Row" provides an in-depth exploration of this fascinating and complex disease.