A Mathematical Model of How Smallpox Can Be Used as a Biological Weapon

Abstract

This thesis focuses on why smallpox is considered as a possible biological weapon and why the world needs to be aware of its existence in the laboratories. The models are based on how smallpox affected the Native American populations of both North America and South America and on the findings of other experts especially the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control. With the gathered information, a model is used in order to help predict how the population would be affected if a community were to be attacked with smallpox. The model considers the manner in which the infection is spread before it is diagnosed as the smallpox virus. To emphasize the model three different scenarios are used, which then help to give suggestions on how or if the attack might be contained.