Ep 2. Smallpox

Invisible Killers is a docuseries that brings to light the deadly diseases that have spread throughout human history, causing devastating effects on populations worldwide. In season one episode two, titled "Smallpox," viewers are taken on a journey into the history of one of the deadliest diseases that has ever existed.

Smallpox is a viral disease that was once a significant threat to humans across the world. The disease is thought to have been responsible for countless deaths throughout history, with a mortality rate of up to 30 percent. The episode starts by exploring the origin of the disease and how it spread across the continents. Viewers learn about how the disease was first discovered in ancient Egypt, and how it made its way to Europe in the 1600s.

The episode then delves into the history of smallpox in the New World, where it wreaked havoc on Native American populations. The disease decimated entire tribes, killing up to 90 percent of some communities. The impact on Native Americans is a significant theme throughout the episode, with experts weighing in on how the introduction of smallpox by European colonizers forever changed the course of history for indigenous peoples.

The episode provides background on the science behind smallpox, explaining how the virus spreads and how the body reacts to it. It also highlights the invention of the smallpox vaccine, which was a significant breakthrough in the fight against the disease.

Viewers get an in-depth look into the history of the smallpox vaccine, including the story of Edward Jenner, the British physician who first developed the vaccine. The episode explores how Jenner's discovery revolutionized public health and saved countless lives. Experts comment on how the vaccine became a prominent feature of public health policies worldwide, leading to the eventual eradication of smallpox.

Towards the end of the episode, viewers are brought up to the present day and learn about how research into smallpox hasn't stopped, even though the disease has been eradicated. The episode explains how scientists are still studying the virus, and how there is a fear that the disease may one day be used as a bioweapon.

Invisible Killers season one episode two, "Smallpox," is a detailed and informative look into the history of one of the deadliest diseases humanity has ever faced. The episode provides insight into the impact smallpox had on different cultures across the world and how it changed the course of history. The experts on the show provide expert commentary on the science behind the virus and the innovations that led to the eventual eradication of the disease. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of medicine and the contagious diseases that have shaped human history.