Smallpox was eliminated as a disease because of inoculations and the fact that:
A)the alternate host was eradicated
B)humans are the only known hosts
C)the variola virus mutates infrequently
D)the variola virus causes rapid death

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Smallpox was eliminated as a disease because humans are the only known hosts of the variola virus, and therefore the disease could be eradicated through widespread vaccination programs. The alternate host theory does not apply to smallpox as there is no alternate host for the virus. The virus mutates infrequently, but this is not the reason for its elimination. Smallpox does cause rapid death, but this alone is not the reason for its elimination.

Smallpox Was Eliminated as a Disease Because of Inoculations and the Fact