Smallpox

It is a long time since I wrote in this blog.
In Tamil nadu as perhaps all over India, small pox was considered a visitation by the goddess. It was forbidden for any outsider to enter the house in which a person suffered from small pox or even chicken pox or measles. A bunch of Neem leaves was hung on the door which meant even beggars were not to ask for alms. Noone entered the house.  It was believed that the patient would get worse and die if any outsider came near or even set eyes on the patient. Also the family members could not visit any house, temple or Pooja or wedding until the infection cleared. When the scabs start to fall, the patient is given a bath. The next bath is the day after next and another one two days later. It is only after 3 baths that is, six days after the infection starts clearing that restrictions are lifted.
This superstition kept the disease from spreading too much, protected the community. If a simple advisory was given, noone would follow, but bringing in the goddess and her wrath ensured compliance.