The history of smallpox has a special place in human health and medicine.

 One of the most deadly diseases in humans, smallpox is the only human disease that has been eradicated through vaccination.

Symptoms and causative agents

The most common symptoms of a smallpox infection are fever and lethargy, about two weeks after exposure to the varicella major virus. Headaches, sore throats, and vomiting are also common symptoms. After 2-3 days, the body temperature drops and rashes appear on the face and body, and later on the torso. Gradually sores form in the mouth, throat, and nose. Fluid-filled blisters will form and spread, and in some cases will cover a large area of ​​skin together. In about the third week of the disease, the scab falls off and separates from the skin.

The virus Vereola Minor causes less severe forms of smallpox.
Transfer

Smallpox is spread by close contact with an infected person's wounds or respiratory drops. Contaminated beds or clothes can also spread the disease. The patient remains contagious until the last scab separates from the skin.

Complications and mortality

About 30% of cases of smallpox in Vereola major die, especially in the second week of infection. Most of the survivors suffered somewhat permanent scarring, which could have spread far and wide. Other disorders can also occur, such as loss of lip, nose, and ear tissue. Corneal scarring can lead to blindness. Chickenpox was less serious and less likely to cause death.

Some estimates suggest that there were more than 300 million smallpox deaths worldwide in the 20th century.

Available vaccination and vaccination campaigns

People have been using the smallpox vaccine since Edward Jenner first tested his hypothesis in 1796 that a person would be protected from smallpox by coming in contact with the wound material of cowpox. As a result of Jenner's efforts, a large-scale smallpox vaccine was eventually developed and marketed.

The successful use of the smallpox vaccine has led to a gradual decline in smallpox cases. The last known case of smallpox occurred in 1977 in Somalia. In 1980, the World Health Organization announced that smallpox had been officially eradicated. In other words, smallpox has disappeared. Biological terrorism with the smallpox virus as a weapon is still possible. The WHO recommends that vaccines continue to be provided in the event of an accidental release of a virus or bioterrorism.

Vaccination recommendations

In certain countries, some members of the military and first responders in an emergency are vaccinated against smallpox to protect them in the event of a bioterrorism incident. Laboratory workers who work with the smallpox virus can also get the vaccine.