{"id":291,"date":"2025-07-24T09:59:51","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T09:59:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medscapeus.com\/?p=291"},"modified":"2025-07-24T09:59:54","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T09:59:54","slug":"smallpox-causes-symptoms-history-and-eradication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medscapeus.com\/?p=291","title":{"rendered":"Smallpox \u2013 Causes, Symptoms, History, and Eradication"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease caused by the Variola<\/em> virus. For centuries, it was one of the most feared illnesses, responsible for millions of deaths across the world. However, thanks to a global vaccination campaign, smallpox became the first disease ever eradicated by humans<\/strong> in 1980, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Causes of Smallpox<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Smallpox is caused by the Variola virus<\/strong>, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus<\/em> genus. The disease spreads:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Through respiratory droplets<\/strong> (coughing, sneezing)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • By direct contact<\/strong> with infected individuals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Through contaminated objects<\/strong>, such as bedding or clothing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    It was once a common disease with devastating effects but no longer poses a natural threat due to eradication efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Symptoms of Smallpox<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    After an incubation period of 7 to 17 days, symptoms begin to appear. The disease progresses in stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Initial Symptoms:<\/strong>\n
        \n
      • High fever<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Severe headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Back pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Vomiting (in some cases)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Rash Stage:<\/strong>\n
          \n
        • A red rash begins on the face and hands<\/strong>, then spreads<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Lesions evolve from macules<\/strong> to papules<\/strong>, vesicles<\/strong>, and then pustules<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Crusts form and eventually fall off<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Scarring:<\/strong>\n
            \n
          • Survivors often suffer permanent scarring<\/strong>, especially on the face<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
            \n\n\n\n

            Types of Smallpox<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            There were two clinical forms of smallpox:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Variola major:<\/strong> Severe and most common form with a higher death rate (~30%)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Variola minor:<\/strong> Milder version with a much lower fatality rate (~1%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
              \n\n\n\n

              History and Eradication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              • Ancient disease<\/strong>: Evidence of smallpox exists in Egyptian mummies and ancient texts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Edward Jenner (1796)<\/strong>: Developed the first successful smallpox vaccine using cowpox.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Global Vaccination Campaign<\/strong>: Led by the WHO from 1967 to 1977.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Eradication<\/strong>: The last natural case was reported in Somalia in 1977. In 1980, the WHO declared smallpox eradicated globally<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                \n\n\n\n

                Is There a Vaccine for Smallpox?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Yes. The smallpox vaccine<\/strong> is made from a virus called vaccinia<\/em>, a poxvirus similar to smallpox. Though routine vaccination stopped after eradication, it is still used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Laboratory workers handling poxviruses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Military personnel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Bioterrorism preparedness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  \n\n\n\n

                  Smallpox as a Bioterrorism Threat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Although smallpox is eradicated, concerns remain<\/strong> about its use as a biological weapon. Samples of the virus are retained under strict security in two laboratories (in the USA and Russia).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n\n\n\n

                  Key Facts About Smallpox<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  • Smallpox killed an estimated 300-500 million people<\/strong> in the 20th century.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • The vaccine was the key<\/strong> to its eradication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • No treatment exists<\/strong>, but vaccination before or shortly after exposure can prevent or reduce severity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                    \n\n\n\n

                    Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    Smallpox remains a powerful example of what global cooperation and science can achieve. Its eradication is a major milestone in public health history. While we no longer face the natural threat of smallpox, vigilance is crucial<\/strong> to prevent its misuse and maintain global safety.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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