Abstract

GOYAS MEJIA, Ramón  and  MARTINEZ CURIEL, Enrique. Smallpox and its Effect on the Child Population in Central Jalisco in 1900. Región y sociedad [online]. 2025, vol.37, e2033.  Epub Mar 09, 2026. ISSN 2448-4849.  https://doi.org/10.22198/rys2025/37/2033.

Objective: To analyze the conditions that fostered the spread of smallpox and its demographic effects in 10 municipalities near Guadalajara, Jalisco. Methodology: Archival data and regional history sources were used to reconstruct the living conditions, and social, and economic dynamics that influenced the disease and mortality in 1900. Results: Of the 4 358 death certificates analyzed, 1 684 (almost 40%) correspond to deaths from smallpox, a significantly higher proportion than estimated by other studies for Jalisco at the end of the 19th century. Value: In addition to showing the impact of smallpox in the central part of the state, the study proposes that epidemic control did not depend solely on vaccination, but also on addressing the structural deficiencies that increased its lethality. Limitations: No evidence was found regarding health measures implemented by the federal or state governments, if any. The reasons why some localities had higher mortality rates also remain unclear. Conclusions: By 1900, knowledge and strategies to contain smallpox, including vaccination, were still insufficient to effectively combat the disease.

Keywords : Infant death; Porfiriato; smallpox; epidemic; rural population.

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