It all started with an unremarkable trip to grandma’s house in 1970. But two days into the visit, something went terribly wrong. The 9-month-old grandson fell ill. First, a fever. Then, a nasty rash.

Smallpox was certified eradicated in 1980, but I first learned about the disease's twisty, storied history in 1996 while interning at the World Health Organization. I was a college student fascinated ...

The virus, a cousin of smallpox, is popping up in some African countries — and making headlines in the U.S. But is it really a rising threat? Earlier this month, the Washington Post ran a big, feature ...

Smallpox was a severe infectious disease that affected humans for thousands of years before its eradication in the late 20th century. The symptoms included a distinctive rash, pustules, and fever.