Question 1

what color are smallpox spots?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Since it is 30+ years since smallpox was eradicated we have only written descriptions & pictures in texts. Flat spots that grew to dime sized and became "pearls of puss"are described. There early concentration on the face led to early recognition. Spots followed 2-5 days of fever 102-104 and prostration to the point of being bedridden.

Question 2

can i get smallpox?

Accepted Answer

No: Small pox has been eliminated from any possible exposure.  There are two deposits of the virus left:  one in the CDC deep freeze in Atlanta and one in a similar place in Russia.  The only way you could get this disease would be by an act of terrorism which is very unlikely.

Question 3

how does smallpox spread?

Accepted Answer

Person to person: Contact with infectious material from an person with smallpox is how this was passed. There are no insects or animals that spread the germ. Since there has been no cases since 1977, we only hear about this from people worried it may resurface as a bioterror weapon.

Question 4

how do you catch smallpox?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to case: Since the disease hasn't been found active in the world since 1977, it would be quite a notable event for you to get smallpox. While it was active it was passed person to person.

Question 5

how can you cure smallpox?

Accepted Answer

Treatment supportive: Given that 30+ years have past since the last case, there may be newer meds available that would help.Treatment at the time was supportive.

Question 6

how many forms of smallpox exist?

Accepted Answer

One basic disease: As an eradicated disease, no forms are now present in the wild. Some stored virus is present in research as a hedge against any return. In its day, regular smallpox had two presentations that had higher death rates, including a malignant form and a hemorrhagic (blood breakdown form).

Question 7

is smallpox prevalent in other countries?

Accepted Answer

NO: Considered a dead, eradicated disease with the last case in the wild in 1977.The world health organization declared it eradicated in 1979.

Question 8

how did they do the eradication of smallpox?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination: Smallpox eradication was achieved through a massive worldwide vaccination program.

Question 9

if i get smallpox what is the chance of survival?

Accepted Answer

Depends/presentation: In general, smallpox had a case fatality rate of 30%. More malignant or hemorragic presentations had death rates approaching 100%. Treatments during the 30+ years ago when cases were seen were supportive. Some newer antiviral meds might be of use but their value is unknown.

Question 10

what are the major presenting symptoms of smallpox?

Accepted Answer

Smallpox: has approx. 12 day incubation period. Fever is usually 101° F or &gt;. Sx's include: headache, muscle pain, malaise, nausea, vomiting, back pain,  Rash develops into pustules on forehead &amp; then involves face. Lesions than occur closest to the  trunk on extremities on the track and later to the distal extremities.

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