Answer
Smallpox, a highly contagious disease, ravaged Kateri Tekakwitha's childhood, leaving her with lifelong scars and impaired vision. The disease, caused by the variola virus, was prevalent among Native American populations during the 17th century, often leading to severe illness and even death. Tekakwitha's contraction of smallpox significantly impacted her physical well-being and likely influenced her spiritual journey, as she attributed her survival to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.