Epidemics
and medicine >> Regions >> Africa
>> Smallpox
Smallpox, believed to have originated in Egypt or India over 3,000 years
ago, is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal disease caused by the variola
virus. The name smallpox derives from the Latin word for “spotted,”
and refers to the raised bumps that appear on the face and body of an infected
person. The raised bumps may leave behind permanent scars.
Historically a common and fatal disease, naturally occurring
smallpox has now been completely eradicated thanks to the successful worldwide
vaccination effort. Since the world has seen the last occurrence of smallpox
infection in Somalia in 1977, the vaccination is now no longer necessary
and has come to an end. However, there is a growing risk that terrorist
groups may use the smallpox virus as a biological weapon.
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