Hipsters getting smallpox to join 18th century trend

Infection News: Doctors have expressed fears over hipsters that are purposefully contracting smallpox in order to join in with the current trend for all things 18th century.

“The Georgian era is so hot right now,” said cultural commentator Gurkha Quiche-Lorraine. “And apart from dressing in 18th century clothes, the most on-trend people also have smallpox. It’s like totally authentic, yeah?”

“Men’s style is all about knee-length breeches and shoes with massive buckles,” said one trendsetter from Shoreditch, London. “But once you’ve got the clothes sorted, you need the lifestyle – and for me that means smallpox – particularly the hemorrhagic kind, which was much rarer.”

Parts of the medical community have expressed fears over this alarming new trend. “Smallpox killed an estimated 400,000 Europeans each year during the 18th century,” said Dr. Donald Henderson.

“But to be honest – as long as they keep it to themselves and don’t infect the rest of us – this might be the best thing hipsters have ever done.”

Story+Image: Simon Swatman