Definition
Smallpox is an extremely
infectious and powerful disease. It is caused by variola virus. There are usually two types of smallpox. They
are variola major and variola minor, each of which gives immunity against the
other. Variola minor is weaker and is found mainly in
South America and
Causes
Smallpox is a contagious
disease, which explains its ability to bring about large number of epidemics.
The variola virus is contracted from direct contact
with individuals infected with the disease. We can also get infected from
objects used by another smallpox victim (books, blankets, utensils, etc.). The
respiratory region is the usual entry point for the variola virus into a human being.
Symptoms
-
Fever
-
Chills
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Muscle aches
-
Rashes on the face, forearms, chest, abdomen, and
back.
-
Individual bumps filled with clear fluid and
eventually become pus-filled
Treatment
There is no treatment for
smallpox yet. The only treatment is support for the victim, trying to keep the
patient as comfortable as possible. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent
secondary bacterial infections.
Prevention
-
Vaccination
-
Those who have contracted once would most likely
not get it anymore.