Smallpox, the more you know!
By Liam Halvorsen
What is Smallpox?
Smallpox comes from two viruses. The viruses that cause smallpox are variola major, and variola minor. The word variola comes from the word variolation.
How is smallpox transmitted?
Smallpox is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, their body fluids, infected bedding or other infected objects. However, very rarely smallpox has been transmitted by virus through the air in enclosed places.
The symptoms.
Smallpox is known to have many symptoms such as...high fever, malaise(not feeling well), headache, severe back pain, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
How do you treat Smallpox?
The only known way to treat smallpox is the smallpox vaccine. If given in the first 4 days it can prevent or lesson the severe symptoms. If given within the first 4-7 days it may offer some protection. So you should probably get the vaccine at the first sign of smallpox.
How can you prevent getting smallpox?
You can avoid getting smallpox by taking the vaccine, washing your hands and hair thoroughly, keeping a safe distance from those infected, and not touching the region where you have been given the vaccine.
Interesting smallpox facts.
- Smallpox's name came from Europeans distinguishing smallpox from great pox (syphilis).
- Smallpox does not occur in nature.
- The smallpox vaccine was the first vaccine created.
- Smallpox was the first disease to be eradicated worldwide.
How Did We Kill Smallpox?
Smallpox Quote.
"I think when smallpox was eliminated, the whole world got pretty excited about that because it's just such a dramatic success."
Bill Gates
"I hope that some day the practice of producing cowpox in human beings will spread over the world - when that day comes, there will be no more smallpox."
Edward Jenner
Cites I used.
http://web.stanford.edu/group/virus/adeno/2000/variola.html
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/overview/disease-facts.asp
http://www.healthline.com/health/smallpox#Symptoms3
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/237229-treatment
http://www.sfcdcp.org/smallpox.html
http://zilbershersmallpox.weebly.com/interesting-facts.html
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edwardjenn190635.html?src=t_smallpox