There's no way around it. Some things are impossible to fathom. The only reservoir for the smallpox virus is humans. Other mammals, like cows and monkeys, can also be infected with viruses similar to smallpox, but they're actually different species.
The WHO's declaration of smallpox eradication wasn't made casually. While there was a lot of political and bureaucratic wrangling involved, the statistical methodology was relatively scientific and rational.
And for over half a century, the WHO has maintained a rigorous monitoring of major infectious diseases worldwide, confirming no new cases of smallpox.
This is undeniable. Unlike infectious diseases like malaria, smallpox's signs of infection are very obvious, as are its aftereffects.
Even if someone managed to survive a small outbreak, the horrific pockmarks left on their face after recovery are indelible.
So, the question is, how could the smallpox virus, which had been absent from human society for over half a century, suddenly reappear in Hawaii? "Human factors" seem the most likely possibility.
Compared to the others' intense anxiety, relatively "professional" individuals like Jack and Max were much calmer.
The most important reason smallpox was so easily eradicated by humans is that the virus's composition is extremely stable, making it difficult to mutate and evade effective vaccines.
Even if someone "modified" the smallpox virus and deployed it as a biological weapon in Hawaii, injecting it into humans alone in the hope of infecting them would be an extremely inefficient method.
Contaminating water and food, releasing aerosolized gas into central air conditioning ducts—with extensive experience dealing with hemorrhagic fever, anthrax, and tetrodotoxin,
Jack could easily devise dozens of different transmission methods without worrying about attracting official attention.
Furthermore, preliminary CDC testing showed no signs of modification in the virus, indicating that the pathogen extracted from Brian Palmer's body was "original."
The "original" smallpox virus is even easier to combat. Although smallpox is long extinct, the smallpox vaccine has never been discontinued because, for some undisclosed reason, the US military continues to administer various vaccines, including smallpox.
This meant that even if the situation reached its worst, the authorities wouldn't resort to drastic measures, as depicted in some films and television series, to eradicate the virus, such as deploying weapons of mass destruction on the island and then later claiming it was a wildfire.
Even if the virus did spread on the island, the CDC could quickly mobilize its vast vaccine reserves and vaccinate everyone on the island to control the situation.
The CDC soon delivered another piece of reassuring news. After urgently comparing data obtained from hospitals across the island, they confirmed no recent outbreaks of unusual fevers, and they promised to continue monitoring.
"That means we still have time. We don't have to worry about our families' safety for now," Jack reassured everyone.
That said, identifying the virus's source remained a pressing matter, and Danny quickly arranged everyone's tasks.
Max, the medical examiner, had already sent blood and tissue samples from the bodies to the military's P4-rated biological laboratory, where he would soon conduct pathological tests.
His first priority was to determine if there were any other drug residues in the deceased's system. After all, the needle marks could have been left by the virus, but it could also have been caused by the injection of a drug.
Cheng Hao, on the other hand, went to the HPD to coordinate police resources and collaborate with the CDC to conduct a comprehensive investigation, searching for potential infected individuals.
In Jack's previous life, Hawaii was the only one of the 50 states without a state police force. In this world, while the "Five-O" was known as the state police, it was essentially a task force specially appointed by the governor.
Whether they were the prototype of the future Hawaii State Police or a specialized unit similar to the Texas Rangers, their actual operations, like the FBI, relied heavily on the support of local police departments.
Kono remained at the base, acting as a liaison and centralizing information from all parties. Finally, Danny and Jack boarded their Camaro and headed straight for the Hawaii Medical Center.
Located on Oahu, the largest hospital in Hawaii, this hospital consists of a seven-story main building and two smaller annexes.
The deceased, Brian Palmer's wife, and her children, ages three and five, were being isolated in a separate 40-square-meter ward within the medical center.
The young siblings, clearly unaware of what was happening, played docilely with toys on a small table in the ward. Brian Palmer's wife, who appeared to be in her early 30s, burst into tears upon seeing the two men arrive.
The isolation ward was equipped with a direct intercom, similar to those used in prison visiting rooms. Danny explained their purpose in a low voice, trying not to disturb the children.
Brian Palmer's wife struggled to control her emotions and recounted the evening's events.
"The doctors don't think we're infected, but to be safe, they want the children and I to stay in the hospital for at least a week for observation.
The children and I were certainly frightened, but we didn't expect Brian to be so seriously ill. He likely just wanted help, but I blocked him out."
Danny placed his hands on his chest and soothed in a serious tone, "Ms. Palmer, listen to me. You made the absolutely right choice, understand?
It's because you didn't open the door that you saved yourself and your two children from infection."
After much consolation, the woman finally stopped crying, and Danny quickly asked, "Ma'am, we're hoping you can help the police unravel Brian's whereabouts over the past few weeks."
"Uh," the woman looked conflicted, "I guess there's nothing I can do about it."
She glanced back at her two children before continuing, "We were separated before, and Brian moved out about three months ago.
After returning from Iraq, he suffered from PTSD, and there were big conflicts between us. Later, in order not to affect the two children, he took the initiative to move out of our house temporarily."
It sounded like a familiar story. Danny and Jack looked at each other and then asked, "Okay, so where has he lived since he separated from you?"
"The Wave Hotel." The woman's expression was very sad, and it was obvious that she still had feelings for her husband.
"He's actually been doing pretty well lately. He's tried to quit drinking, comes back to visit the kids regularly, and even started planning to find a job. I thought we'd be able to return to our old life soon."
Seeing her hesitate to speak, Danny took the initiative to help her say "but." "So, what happened after that?"
The woman's expression became a little confused. "I don't know. About two weeks ago, he suddenly disappeared. He missed the couple's counseling session with the family counselor and turned off his phone. I thought he'd retreated into that dark corner again."
"What do you mean? What do you mean by dark corner?" Danny was confused.
(End of this chapter)