Smallpox

 What is Smallpox?

Smallpox, caused by the Variola virus, is an extremely dangerous and easily transmittable disease that had been eradicated in 1980, with the last known case to be in October 1977. The diseases can be caused by two variants by Variola - Variola Major and Variola minor. Rashes and blisters filled with fluids form on mainly the limbs and the face, and it falls off after, leaving scars all over the patient's face. The death rate was also 30%, which was fairly high, and because of its easy transmission, it was feared over 3000 years, since the ancient Egyptians. But as said above, the virus was eradicated in 1980 by the smallpox vaccine, which was first introduced in 1796.

Symptoms:

First Symptoms:

- High Fever

- Fatigue/Tiredness

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

- Severe Back Pain

Later Symptoms:

- Rashes on Face, Hands, Legs and Body

- Skin Lesions

- Bumps with clear liquid and pus

Transmission:

Smallpox is an airborne virus. Coughing, sneezing or direct contact with the fluids from the bumps can easily transmit the virus, which is why so many people got it.

Treatment:

Recently in 2018, scientists have found a drug - tecovirimat - which can stop variola growth, but before it was eradicated, the virus could only be treated with intensive care and it still left scars on the victims' faces.

Prevention:

The smallpox vaccine successfully stopped and eradicated the virus. Freeze dried calf lymph vaccine administered with a bifurcated needle is the oldest smallpox vaccine and had been used in the U.S. until 2008, where it was replaced by other new smallpox vaccines such as ACAM2000.