Smallpox is a contagious and sometimes fatal infectious disease. The name smallpox is derived from the Latin word for "spotted" and refers to the raised bumps that appear on the face and body of an infected person. Generally, smallpox is spread by prolonged person-to-person contact or by direct contact with infected body fluids or contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing. More rarely, smallpox can be spread by aerial diffusion in enclosed settings. Smallpox is now eradicated after a successful worldwide vaccination program.
There were outbreaks of smallpox in the Manchester area between 1892-4 and 1902-4