smallpox
Smallpox is an infection caused by the virus called variola, a member of the poxvirus family. [1]
Smallpox is a viral disease characterized by a skin rash and a high death rate. [2]
Smallpox, which is believed to have originated over 3,000 years ago in India or Egypt, is one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity. [3]
You’ve probably heard about smallpox in the news over the past few years. [4]
In 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that an extensive program of vaccination against the disease had resulted in the complete eradication of the virus, with the exception of samples of stored virus in two laboratories. [1]
An infected person spreads virus particles into the air in the form of tiny droplets emitted from the mouth by speaking, coughing, or simply breathing. [5]
Lesions also develop in the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, and ulcerate very soon after their formation, releasing large amounts of virus into the mouth and throat. [3]
Throughout all of history, smallpox has been a greatly feared disease, responsible for huge epidemics worldwide, and the cause of great suffering and massive numbers of deaths. [1]
The disease is also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera, which is a derivative of the Latin varius, meaning spotted, or varus, meaning “pimple”. [6]
Russia, however, started a program to produce the smallpox virus in mass quantities, specifically for bombs and other weaponry. [2]
There is no specific treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is vaccination. [7]
In some ancient cultures, smallpox was such a major killer of infants that custom forbade the naming of a newborn until the infant had caught the disease and proved it would survive. [3]
For centuries, epidemics of smallpox affected people all over the globe, and the disease was often serious. [4]
Variola major is the severe and most common form of smallpox, with a more extensive rash and higher fever. [7]
According to the CDC, since the vaccine has not been administered in the U.S. since 1972, those persons who had received the vaccine in the past are likely susceptible now (as are those who have never been vaccinated). [2]
Sources:
[1] smallpox: Definition from Answers.com
[2] MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Smallpox
[3] WHO | Smallpox
[4] Smallpox
[5] Smallpox - MSN Encarta
[6] Smallpox - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[7] CDC Smallpox | Smallpox Overview