Smallpox eradication in Rajasthan, India.

In 1962, when the smallpox eradication programme was launched in India, there were 3909 reported cases in Rajasthan. Mass vaccination was introduced but had little impact on the incidence of the disease; in 1970, 4074 cases were reported and in 1971, the reported incidence (4821 cases) was the highest in India. Changes in the vaccination technique, the use of a new and potent vaccine and the introduction of a new strategy based on surveillance and containment of outbreaks, rather than mass vaccination, brought good results. By 1972, only 1970 cases were reported and endemic smallpox was eliminated from Rajasthan before the launching of the intensified all-India compaign in July, 1973. In 1974, epidemics were occurring in the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh as well as in Bihar and West Bengal. But in that year, there were only 10 new smallpox outbreaks in Rajasthan, all originating from imported cases. The organization and progress of the eradication campaign and the history of smallpox eradication in Rajasthan are described in this communication.