The CDC estimates that 90 percent of smallpox cases were variola major. Historically, this type of smallpox killed 30 percent of those infected. The two rare forms of smallpox were known as hemorrhagic and malignant. Both of these rare forms of smallpox carried a very high fatality rate.
Hemorrhagic smallpox caused organs to leak blood into the mucous membranes and skin. Malignant smallpox lesions did not develop into pustules or pus-filled bumps on the skin. Instead, they remained soft and flat throughout the entire illness. Airborne diseases tend to spread fast.
Coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with any bodily fluids could spread the smallpox virus. In addition, sharing contaminated clothing or bedding could lead to infection. There is no cure for the smallpox virus. As a result of worldwide, repeated vaccination programs, the variola virus smallpox has been completely eradicated. The only people considered to be at risk for smallpox are researchers who work with it in a laboratory setting.
In the unlikely event that an exposure to the smallpox virus occurs, vaccination within one to three days can keep the illness from being so severe. Such fears escalated dramatically in the United States following the September 11, , terrorist attacks. While the risk of such a bioterror attack is considered very low, the U. All rights reserved. Smallpox Inspections A young Native American boy in Yukon Territory is checked for smallpox and vaccinated against the disease in this circa photograph.
Early Victims Smallpox is thought to have originated in India or Egypt at least 3, years ago. Share Tweet Email. Read This Next Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London.
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Animals Wild Cities Morocco has 3 million stray dogs. The research poses a warning Print Email Share. Boy or Girl? Living Well. View all the latest top news in the environmental sciences, or browse the topics below:. A few samples of the smallpox virus were kept for laboratory use after the illness was eradicated - and there is now reason to believe that the virus may have been adapted for use as a weapon.
The possibility of a smallpox outbreak, caused by a deliberate release of the virus, is now regarded as a real possibility. The likelihood of a terrorist attack using smallpox is thought to be very low. However, the consequences of such an attack - if it did occur - would be very serious. The symptoms of smallpox begin with a high fever, head and body aches and, in some cases, vomiting.
After two to four days, a rash appears. The rash spreads, and develops into raised bumps that crust and scab over. After about three weeks, the scabs fall off, leaving pitted scars. The first symptoms of smallpox usually show up about days after a person has been exposed to the illness, although symptoms can take as little as seven days or as long as 17 days to appear.
Once the first symptoms appear, the patient is usually too ill to travel or engage in most forms of activity.
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