Revista chilena de infectología : órgano oficial de la Sociedad Chilena de Infectología
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Rev Chilena Infectol · Dec 2009
Historical Article[The royal philanthropic expedition of the vaccine (Xavier de Balmis/Josep Salvany). 1803-1806].
Six years after Jenner discovered the anti-smallpox vaccine, King Charles IV mandated the initiation of vaccination campaigns throughout his kingdom. The overseas campaign was coordinated by the Valencian military doctor Xavier de Balmis with the aid of the Catalan Josep Salvany. The vaccine was transported to America "in vivo" in 22 children. ⋯ Salvany died in the Bolivian city of Cochabamba. The other sub expedition, leaded by Balmis himself, continued by sea to Cuba and Mexico. From Acapulco it arrived to Manila and from there to Macau followed by inland penetration into China.