Final answer:
Smallpox is the viral disease that has been eradicated worldwide thanks to a global vaccination campaign by WHO. Declared eradicated in 1979, it was a significant public health achievement, and efforts have shifted towards eradicating polio.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which Viral Disease Has Been Eradicated Worldwide?
The viral disease that has been completely eradicated from the earth is smallpox. This achievement is attributed to a worldwide vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO). Smallpox, which is caused by the variola virus and only affects humans, was officially declared eradicated in 1979. This was a landmark success in public health, as smallpox had a significant impact on human history with high fatality rates in affected populations.
Smallpox vaccination efforts show how vaccines can have a profound impact on infectious diseases. The smallpox vaccine provided immunity against the disease, and because humans were the only reservoir for the virus, its transmission could be completely halted. This also provided hope for the eradication of other diseases, such as polio, which has been nearly eliminated thanks to vaccination efforts.