What is smallpox and what should I know about it?
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmallpox is a very serious disease; it is contagious and sometimes fatal. Smallpox is caused by the variola virus, which spreads from contact with infected persons. Natural cases of smallpox have been eradicated from the Earth. The last natural case of smallpox was recorded in 1977. In 1980, the disease was declared eradicated following worldwide vaccination programs. However, in the aftermath of the events of September and October, 2001, the U.S.
Related QuestionsCDC Smallpox | FAQ About SmallpoxSmallpox is an acute, contagious, and sometimes fatal disease caused by the variola virus (an orthopoxvirus), and marked by fever and a distinctive progressive skin rash. In 1980, the disease was declared eradicated following worldwide vaccination programs. However, in the aftermath of the events of September and October, 2001, the U.S. government is taking precautions to be ready to deal with a bioterrorist attack using smallpox as a weapon.Related Questions
Smallpox QuizSmallpox was once found throughout the world, causing illness and death wherever it occurred. Smallpox was primarily a disease of children and young adults, with family members often infecting each other. A massive program by the World Health Organization (WHO) eliminated all known smallpox viruses from the world in 1977. Although the disease no longer exists, samples of the agent that caused smallpox were saved by various governments for research purposes.Related Questions
Smallpox: Frequently Asked Questions about SmallpoxSmallpox is caused by variola virus. The incubation period is about 12 days (range: 7 to 17 days) following exposure.Related Questions
local6.com - Smallpox: Frequently Asked QuestionsSmallpox is an acute, contagious, and sometimes fatal disease caused by the variola virus (an orthopoxvirus), and marked by fever and a distinctive progressive skin rash. In 1980, the disease was declared eradicated following worldwide vaccination programs. However, in the aftermath of the events of September and October, 2001, the United States government is taking precautions to be ready to deal with a bioterrorist attack using smallpox as a weapon.Related Questions
Is smallpox contagious? How is smallpox spread?
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, smallpox is contagious. Smallpox normally spreads from contact with infected persons. Generally, direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact is required to spread smallpox from one person to another. People infected with smallpox exhale small droplets that carry the virus to the nose or mouth of close contacts. The greatest risk comes from prolonged close contact exposure (within seven feet) to an infected person.
Related QuestionsIs smallpox contagious before the smallpox symptoms show?
Frequently Asked QuestionsA person with smallpox is sometimes contagious with onset of fever (prodome phase), but the person becomes most contagious with the onset of rash. The infected person is contagious until the last smallpox scab falls off.
Related QuestionsCDC Smallpox | FAQ About SmallpoxA person with smallpox is sometimes contagious with onset of fever (prodrome phase), but the person becomes most contagious with the onset of rash. The infected person is contagious until the last smallpox scab falls off. (added Nov 13, 2002)Related Questions
What are the symptoms of smallpox?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe symptoms of smallpox begin with high fever, head and body aches, and sometimes vomiting. A rash follows that spreads and progresses to raised bumps and pus-filled blisters that crust, scab, and fall off after about three weeks, leaving a pitted scar.
Related QuestionsIs smallpox fatal?
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout 70 percent of patients infected with smallpox recover. Many smallpox survivors have permanent scars over large areas of their body, especially their face. Some are left blind.
Related QuestionsIs there any treatment for smallpox?
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmallpox can be prevented through the use of the smallpox vaccine. There is no proven treatment for smallpox, but research to evaluate new antiviral agents is ongoing. Early results from laboratory studies suggests that the drug cidofovir may fight against the smallpox virus. Currently, studies with animals are being done to better understand the drug’s ability to treat smallpox disease. .
Related QuestionsWhat is the smallpox vaccine made of?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia, a virus related to smallpox but that does not cause smallpox. The smallpox vaccine helps the body develop immunity to smallpox. It does not contain the smallpox virus and cannot spread smallpox.
Related QuestionsShould I get vaccinated against smallpox?
NOVA Online | Bioterror | Frequently Asked QuestionsNo. Vaccination is currently not recommended, and the vaccine is not available to healthcare providers or the public. In the unlikely chance a case of smallpox is detected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an emergency supply of vaccine to treat 15 million people. Unlike many vaccines, which take weeks or months to be effective, the vaccine for smallpox is effective if given 2-3 days after exposure and can prevent a fatal outcome even when given 4-5 days after exposure.
Related QuestionsHow serious is the smallpox threat?
CDC Smallpox | FAQ About SmallpoxThe deliberate release of smallpox as an epidemic disease is now regarded as a possibility, and the United States is taking precautions to deal with this possibility. (added Nov 13, 2002)
Related QuestionsHow is smallpox spread?
CDC Smallpox | FAQ About SmallpoxSmallpox normally spreads from contact with infected persons. Generally, direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact is required to spread smallpox from one person to another. Smallpox also can be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing. Indirect spread is less common. Rarely, smallpox has been spread by virus carried in the air in enclosed settings such as buildings, buses, and trains.
Related QuestionsHow do you diagnose smallpox?
Questions and Answers about Smallpox and Smallpox Vaccinatio...Febrile prodrome: occurring 1-4 days before onset of rash. Fever of at least 101 degrees F and at least one of the following: prostration, headache, backache, chills, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain. Classic smallpox lesions (deep seated, firm, hard, round, well-circumscribed vesicles or pustules and as they evolve lesions may become umbilicated or confluent). Lesions start on face, palms, and soles and spread centrally (the opposite of chicken pox).
Related QuestionsHow contagious is smallpox?
Questions and Answers about Smallpox and Smallpox Vaccinatio...Smallpox is less contagious than chickenpox or measles. The great majority of people in a large room will become infected if even only one person has measles, whereas the highest risk for smallpox is face-to face contact, i.e. within 2 meters (6.5 feet). If there is personal protective equipment (fit-tested N-95 masks, gloves, etc.) on you and the patient, the risk of airborne spread becomes very low.
Related QuestionsSCDHEC: Public Health Preparedness - Bioterrorism FAQsSmallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease. The variola virus that emerged in human populations thousands of years ago causes smallpox. There is no specific treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is through vaccination. Smallpox outbreaks have occurred from time to time for thousands of years, but the disease is now eradicated after a successful worldwide vaccination program. The last case of smallpox in the United States was in 1949.Related Questions
Smallpox is a serious, contagious and often fatal infectious disease caused by variola virus. There currently is no specific treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is vaccination. Patients with smallpox can benefit from supportive therapy (e.g., intravenous fluids, medicine to control fever or pain) and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections that may occur.Related Questions
If I am concerned about a smallpox attack, can I go to my doctor and get the smallpox vaccine?
CDC Smallpox | FAQ About Smallpoxthe moment, the smallpox vaccine is not available for members of the general public. In the event of a smallpox outbreak, however, there is enough smallpox vaccine to vaccinate everyone every person in the United States.(modified December 29, 2004)
Related QuestionsWhat will the smallpox response teams do?
Frequently Asked QuestionsMembers of the Smallpox Response Teams will include people who will administer the smallpox vaccine in the event of an emergency and will be the first to investigate and evaluate initial suspected case(s) of smallpox and initiate measures to control the outbreak.
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