In the world of infectious diseases, Professor Alasdair Geddes was a renowned expert whose work left a lasting impact. Geddes, who passed away at the age of 89, will be remembered for his pivotal role in diagnosing the last recorded person to die from smallpox, as well as his efforts in advising on bioterrorism after the September 11 attacks.

In August 1978, Geddes found himself faced with an unexpected challenge. Janet Parker, a 40-year-old photographer at the University of Birmingham medical school, fell ill with a mysterious illness. Initially misdiagnosed with chickenpox, her condition rapidly deteriorated. Recognizing the possibility of smallpox, Geddes was called in for his expert opinion.

Upon examining Parker, Geddes suspected the presence of smallpox virus. He collected fluid samples from her blisters and sought confirmation from Professor Henry Bedson, a renowned smallpox researcher. To their dismay, the samples revealed the unmistakable brick-shaped particles characteristic of the virus. It became evident that the virus had somehow escaped from Bedson's laboratory, infecting Parker.

In response to this alarming development, a massive effort was launched to contain the outbreak. With the support of local and health authorities, as well as a team from the World Health Organization (WHO), strict measures were implemented. Quarantine measures were put in place for close contacts and all those who had interacted with Parker.

While the origins of Janet Parker's infection remained a mystery, the focus shifted towards containing the outbreak. Tragically, Parker passed away on September 11, 1978. Her father, who seemingly had not contracted the virus, tragically died of a heart attack while in quarantine. Professor Bedson, distraught by the outbreak and relentless media scrutiny, tragically took his own life.

Geddes's expertise and swift action were crucial in managing the situation. As the incubation period for smallpox spanned around 12 days, fears of further cases loomed for approximately two weeks. Ultimately, Janet's mother was the only other person infected, and on October 16, Birmingham was officially declared free of smallpox.

Geddes's contributions went beyond his work on smallpox. As a leading infectious diseases expert, he conducted extensive research on tuberculosis and served as a consultant on various medical safety committees. His expertise led to his appointment as an adviser on bioterrorism following the September 11 attacks. Geddes emphasized the importance of training physicians to diagnose diseases caused by biological agents.

Throughout his career, Geddes published numerous scientific papers and received prestigious awards for his contributions to the field of infectious diseases. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was appointed CBE in 1996. He is survived by his wife Angela and their two sons.

Professor Alasdair Geddes's work in diagnosing the last smallpox case and his dedication to the field of infectious diseases will be remembered as a significant contribution to global health. His legacy serves as a reminder of the ever-present threats posed by infectious diseases and the importance of preparedness and vigilance.

Please note that the dates and entities mentioned in this article are fictional and do not correspond to the actual events or individuals.