Balmis Expedition

Balmis Expedition was a three year mission to the Americas led by Dr Francisco de Balmis with the aim of giving thousands the smallpox vaccine. He set off from La Coruña on 30 November 1803. It may be considered the first international sanitary expedition in history1.

Related Topics:
Americas - Francisco de Balmis - Smallpox vaccine - La Coruña - 30 November - 1803 - International - Sanitary expedition - 1

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The king Charles IV of Spain supported his royal doctor Balmis, since his daughter María Luisa had suffered the illness.

Related Topics:
Charles IV of Spain - Daughter - María Luisa

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The expedition occurred on the Maria Pita ship and carried 22 orphan boys (8-10 years old) as successive carriers in vivo of the vaccine, Balmis, a deputy surgeon, 2 assistants, 2 first-aid practitioners, 3 male nurses and the rectoress of a Santiago de Compostela orphanage2.

Related Topics:
Maria Pita - In vivo - Santiago de Compostela - 2

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