Smallpox
A VACCINE PREVENTABLE ILLNESS
identification and definition
Smallpox is a contagious infection disease , and sometimes lead people to dead. Vaccination recommended 3 days after exposure, 4-7 days may decrease disease severity.
http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/overview/disease-facts.asp
History of smallpox
Smallpox is caused by the variola virus and it was already appeared in human populations thousands of years ago. Except for laboratory stockpiles, the variola virus has been eliminated. In 1980, the disease was mark for following worldwide vaccination programs.
http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/faq/smallpox_disease.asp
CDC Smallpox Vaccine Overview
smallpox vaccine
Variola Virus (Smallpox)
Signs/ Symptoms
The symptoms of smallpox begin with
-high fever
-head and body aches
-vomiting
Sign: rash follows, raised bumps and pus-filled blisters that crust, scab, after 3 weeks the scac and crust were off left small scar.
http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/faq/smallpox_disease.asp
Transmission
In general, face to face spread is required for smallpox. Smallpox also can be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing. Smallpox is unknown to be transmitted by insects or animals.
http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/faq/smallpox_disease.asp
Complications
Variola virus, the cause of smallpox, and vaccinia virus, used in smallpox immunization, cause serious ocular complications, for example eyelid and conjunctival infection, corneal ulceration, disciform keratitis, iritis, optic neuritis, and blindness. There are 5% to 9% of patients have ocular complications with smallpox.
Current and recommended control measures
Smallpox can be prevented by the smallpox vaccine. If given to a person smallpox vaccine it can protect him before virus exposure. However, if take smallpox vaccine after exposure three days it may prevent or greatly lessen the severity of smallpox. if take 4-7 days after virus exposure may decrease the severity of disease.
http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/overview/disease-facts.asp