Sydney’s 1789 smallpox epidemic came from the First Fleet and killed up to 220,000 Indigenous Australians: new research

Recent research reveals that the smallpox epidemic that hit Sydney in 1789 likely originated from the First Fleet of British settlers and had catastrophic consequences, killing up to 220,000 Indigenous Australians. This epidemic didn't just affect the local population but spread across thousands of kilometers and persisted for decades. Understanding this historical event is crucial as it highlights the devastating impact of introduced diseases on Indigenous communities and underscores the importance of acknowledging and learning from such tragic episodes in history to inform contemporary public health policies.