Smallpox
Variola - major and minor; VariolaSmallpox is a serious disease that is easily passed from person to person (contagious). It is caused by a virus.
Causes
Smallpox spreads from one person to another from saliva droplets. It may also be spread from bed sheets and clothing. It is most contagious during the first week of the infection. It may continue to be contagious until the scabs from the rash fall off. The virus can stay alive between 6 and 24 hours.
People were once vaccinated against this disease. However, the disease has been eradicated since 1979. The United States stopped giving the smallpox vaccine in 1972. In 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that all countries stop vaccinating for smallpox.
There are two forms of smallpox:
- Variola major is a serious illness that can be life threatening in people who have not been vaccinated. It was responsible for a large number of deaths.
- Variola minor is a milder infection that rarely causes death.
A massive program by the WHO wiped out all known smallpox viruses from the world in the 1970s, except for a few samples saved for government research and presumed bioweapons. Researchers continue to debate whether or not to kill the last remaining samples of the virus or to preserve it in case there may be some future reason to study it.
You are more likely to develop smallpox if you:
- Are a laboratory worker who handles the virus (rare)
- Are in a location where the virus was released as a biological weapon
It is unknown how long past vaccinations stay effective. People who received the vaccine many years ago may no longer be fully protected against the virus.
THE RISK OF TERRORISM
There is a concern that the smallpox virus could be spread as part of a terrorist attack. The virus could be spread in spray (aerosol) form.
Symptoms
Symptoms most often occur about 12 to 14 days after you have been infected with the virus. They may include:
- Backache
- Delirium
Delirium
Delirium is sudden severe confusion due to rapid changes in brain function that can occur with physical or mental illness.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Diarrhea
- Excessive bleeding
- Fatigue
- High fever
- Malaise
Malaise
Malaise is a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Raised pink rash, turns into sores that become crusty on day 8 or 9
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
Exams and Tests
Tests include:
- DIC panel
- Platelet count
Platelet count
A platelet count is a lab test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets are particles in the blood that help the blood clot. ...
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White blood cell count
A WBC count is a blood test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. It is a part of a complete blood count (CBC). WBCs are a...
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Special laboratory tests can be used to identify the virus.
Treatment
The smallpox vaccine may prevent illness or lessen symptoms if it is given within 1 to 4 days after a person is exposed to the disease. Once symptoms have started, treatment is limited.
In July 2013, a shipment of 59,000 courses of the antiviral drug tecovirimat was delivered by SIGA Technologies to the United States Government's Strategic National Stockpile for use in a possible bioterrorism incident. SIGA filed for bankruptcy protection in 2014.
Antibiotics may be given for infections that occur in people who have smallpox. Taking antibodies against a disease similar to smallpox (vaccinia immune globulin) may help shorten the duration of the disease.
People who have been diagnosed with smallpox and people they have been in close contact with need to be isolated right away. They will need to receive the vaccine and be watched closely.
Outlook (Prognosis)
In the past, this was a major illness. The risk of death was as high as 30%.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Arthritis and bone infections
- Brain swelling (encephalitis)
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, most often due to infections.
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- Eye infections
- Pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a breathing (respiratory) condition in which there is an infection of the lung. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ...
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- Severe bleeding
- Skin infections (from the sores)
When to Contact a Medical Professional
If you think you may have been exposed to smallpox, contact your health care provider right away. Contact with the virus is very unlikely unless you have worked with the virus in a lab or you have been exposed through bioterrorism.
Prevention
Many people were vaccinated against smallpox in the past. The vaccine is no longer given to the general public. If the vaccine needs to be given to control an outbreak, it can have a small risk of complications. Currently, only military personnel, health care workers, and emergency responders may receive the vaccine.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Smallpox. www.cdc.gov/smallpox/index.html. Updated July 12, 2017. Accessed June 16, 2023.
James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Viral diseases. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 19.
Petersen BW, Damon IK. Orthopoxviruses: vaccinia (smallpox vaccine), variola (smallpox), monkeypox, and cowpox. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 132.
Petersen BW, Damon IK. Smallpox, monkeypox, and other poxvirus infections. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 348.
Smallpox lesions - illustration
Smallpox is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Smallpox virus has been eradicated worldwide through successful vaccination and treatment programs, and now exists only as a stored virus in a few research centers. Symptoms include a severe rash that leaves scars, fever, headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
Smallpox lesions
illustration
Smallpox lesions - illustration
Smallpox is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Smallpox virus has been eradicated worldwide through successful vaccination and treatment programs, and now exists only as a stored virus in a few research centers. Symptoms include a severe rash that leaves scars, fever, headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
Smallpox lesions
illustration
Review Date: 5/31/2023
Reviewed By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.