thenextmile

While the last reported case of Smallpox in the United States was in 1949, nearly sixty years ago, the disease is a serious and one that is often deadly. There is no specific treatment for smallpox disease, right now the only prevention is vaccination. Smallpox outbreaks have occurred from time to time for thousands of years, but today, the disease has been eradicated after a successful worldwide vaccination program. The last case of Smallpox in the world was in Somalia in 1977. Since the disease has been eliminated, routine vaccination against Smallpox among the general population was stopped because it was no longer necessary for prevention.

There are two forms of Smallpox Variola Major which is the most severe and most common, has had an overall death rate of about 30%. Variola Minor which is much less severe has a death rate of about 1% or less. The disease is spread by direct contact. It’s rarely spread by the air in close quarters, such as on a train or bus. Smallpox is not known to be transmitted by insects or animals.

Those infected with Smallpox can expect to come down with symptoms such as fever, head and body aches about a week to 17 days after they are exposed to the Smallpox Virus. A rash will then appear, first as small red spots on the tongue and in the mouth. These spots can develop into sores that break open and spread into the throat. This is when the person is the most contagious. A rash will also appear on the skin on the face, legs and arms. The rash will become worse as the days go on. After about two weeks, scabs from the rash can scab over and fall off.

Diagnosis of Smallpox can be difficult. A doctor may take a throat swab or a sample from an open rash sore. The doctor will then send the sample to a lab where tests will be done to determine if the person does in fact have Smallpox. Even one case of Smallpox is considered an international public health emergency.

While Smallpox can be prevented through the use of Smallpox vaccine, there is no proven treatment for Smallpox. However, results from lab studies suggest that the drug Cidofovir may fight against the Smallpox virus. Tests are being done to better understand the drug’s ability to treat the disease. Patients with Smallpox can benefit from a number of drugs to control fever and pain and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections that may occur.

Despite Smallpox being eradicated, the deliberate release of smallpox as an epidemic disease is now regarded as a possibility. The United States has taken precautions to deal with the threat. In the event of a Smallpox outbreak, there is enough Smallpox vaccine to vaccinate every person in the United States.

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