🦠 What Is Smallpox?
Smallpox is a serious and contagious viral disease caused by the variola virus. It was once one of the deadliest diseases in human history, but it was eradicated globally in 1980 through a successful worldwide vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO).
🔬 Cause
Caused by the Variola virus
Spread primarily through:
Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
Direct contact with infected people or contaminated items (bedding, clothing)
⚠️ Symptoms of Smallpox
Symptoms usually appear 10–14 days after infection:
Early symptoms (first 2–4 days):
High fever
Fatigue
Severe headache
Backache
Vomiting (sometimes)
Rash development:
Starts on the face and spreads to arms, legs, and trunk
Turns into raised bumps, then pus-filled blisters
Scabs form, then fall off after 2–3 weeks, often leaving permanent scars
🔴 Highly contagious during the rash phase
🧪 Diagnosis
Smallpox is diagnosed through:
Clinical signs (distinctive rash and fever)
Laboratory tests (PCR or virus identification, in high-security labs)
Since smallpox has been eradicated, any suspected case would be treated as a global health emergency.
💉 Treatment
No specific treatment or cure once infection begins
Supportive care (fluids, fever reducers, antibiotics for secondary infections)
Antiviral drugs (like tecovirimat) have been developed in recent years for emergency use
🛡️ Prevention
🔑 Vaccine:
Smallpox vaccine (vaccinia virus) is highly effective
Provides long-lasting protection
Still stockpiled by many governments in case of bioterrorism threat
✅ Key Facts
Eradicated in 1980 — the only human disease ever completely eliminated
Killed millions worldwide before eradication
No natural cases since the last one in Somalia (1977)
Virus samples are retained in high-security labs in the U.S. and Russia
☣️ Is There Still a Risk?
Natural smallpox no longer exists
Concern remains about possible bioterrorism or accidental release
Vaccines and emergency plans are maintained for preparedness