The White House also expressed concern that illegal stocks of the virus might exist and be used some day by insurgent groups as an illegal weapon. Scientists at the Russian laboratory also spoke out in favour of keeping the virus, saying it could help explain how the human immune system works. Concerted effort Smallpox was declared eradicted from the world in 1980, after a concerted international effort by the WHO, ending a scourge that had lasted centuries and killed millions. Following the decision by the World Health Assembly, a group of virus experts will now be set up to decide an agenda for research. Dr David Heymann, says the destruction of smallpox remains a long-term goal.
Smallpox causes the development of blisters on the skin which fill with fluid and become inflamed.
They then burst leaving a foul smelling crust on the skin. Others suffered disfiguring scars and, occassionally, blindness. The last case of smallpox was reported in Somalia in 1977. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.