SMALLPOX
WHAT IS SMALLPOX?
Smallpox is a serious disease caused by the variola virus. It has been eradicated since 1980.
Prior to eradication, it was very contagious and left many people with scars all over their bodies and faces. It blinded some infected people.
A case of naturally occurring smallpox has not happened in the United States since 1977.
Transmission
While smallpox has been eradicated, it is important to understand how it can spread in the event of an outbreak.
Close Contact
Prior to eradication, smallpox spread through close, personal contact and prolonged face-to-face contact.
Once sores appear in the mouth or throat, a person is contagious and can easily spread the disease to others.
Respiratory Spread
When a contagious or infected person sneezes or coughs, they can spread the virus through the tiny droplets that are expelled through their mouth or nose.
Caretakers
The virus can live on materials that an infected person has come in contact with, including clothing or bedding.
If you are caring for an infected person, you should wear gloves and wash your hands frequently.
Symptoms
Smallpox infection occurs in several progressive stages that each have different symptoms.
Incubation and Early Symptoms
The incubation period is generally 10 to 14 days, but can last from 7 to 19 days. There are generally no symptoms during this time and a person is not contagious.
Early symptoms will include high fever with body aches, headache and possible vomiting. This usually lasts 2 to 4 days and a person may be contagious.
Initial Rash and Pustular Rash/Scabs
During the early rash period, a person is the most contagious. This period is usually 4 days and starts with small red dots on the tongue and mouth that will eventually break open into sores.
Fever will continue as the rash spreads to the face, then arms, legs and eventually feet and hands. Within 24 hours it usually has spread to all parts of the body.
Once the rash turns into sores, the sores will eventually become pustules that are round and firm. This stage lasts about 10 days and around day 5 the pustules will begin to scab over. A person is contagious throughout this stage.
Loss of Scabs and No Scabs
It usually takes about 6 days for scabs to fall off. During this time, the person is still contagious.
As the scabs fall off, scars and marks will be left on the skin.
It will take about 4 weeks for all the scabs to fall off. A person is contagious until ALL scabs have fallen off.
Prevention and Treatment
Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980. The virus is no longer naturally occurring.
Prevention
While a smallpox vaccine is available, it is not recommended for the general public since smallpox has been eradicated from the United States.
If there were a smallpox outbreak, public health officials would administer the smallpox vaccine to those affected or at risk.
Vaccine
Prior to contact with the virus, the vaccine can protect you from getting sick.
If you are exposed to smallpox, the smallpox vaccine may protect you if received within 3 to 7 days of exposure.
The vaccine will not protect you if received after you have developed a rash.
Antiviral Treatment
Some antiviral treatments have been approved to help treat the symptoms of the disease.
However, there is no current treatment that has been tested and proven effective in people sick with smallpox.
Bioterrorism Attack: Smallpox
Because of vaccination efforts, smallpox has been eradicated since 1980. However, it is possible it could be used in a bioterrorism attack.
While the likelihood of such an attack is small, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family in the event of an attack.
Know the symptoms of smallpox infection
Know each family member’s medical history
Make a family preparedness plan