Key Facts About Smallpox Every Student Should Know
It is an extremely contagious and deadly virus for which there is no known cure. In the United States in 1949, the last known case occurred and due to worldwide vaccination programs, this disease has been completely eradicated. Smallpox is also known as variola.
Caused by one of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor, smallpox was an infectious disease. This contagious disease came into existence in 10,000 BC. This syndrome was declared as completely eradicated after the global immunization campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 1980 with the help of the smallpox vaccine. In 1796,the first effective vaccine was discovered of the smallpox, and it was developed by Edward Jenner. The last symptoms of this infectious disease were found in the year 1977.
Smallpox is a contagious disease, which transmits from one person to another by infective droplets of an infected person. For this contagious disease there is no treatment found, but could be prevented through the vaccinations.
The Smallpox Virus Variola
Variola minor and Variola major are the two forms of variola virus. Being a member of the orthopoxvirus family, variola virus is a deadly virus. The virus resembles brick ones and the core of the virus to make the structure, which is made up of a genetic material DNA which resembles a dumbbell in shape. The DNA in the core comprises necessary proteins, which are required to replicate the host’s cell. There is a 17 days period for the incubation of this disease, which later results in severe fever with the appearance of rashes on the face, legs, hands, arms, etc.
Causes of Smallpox
Smallpox spreads at a faster rate, which is an airborne disease and is mainly caused by an infection of a deadly type of virus variola. The causes of this virus is as follows:
It transmits through the droplets released from coughing, sneezing, and face to face contact with an infected person.
By sharing drinks, exchange of body fluids like blood transfusion and etc, this infection is also transmitted.
Caused by even touching any contaminated area.
By using unclean syringes or the used ones.
Symptoms of Smallpox
Usually, the symptoms occur after 17 days of the infection of the variola virus. After the incubation period general symptoms are seen are as follows:
High fever followed with chills.
Vomiting or nausea.
A severe headache, followed by other body pains.
After the attack it develops rashes, filled up with pus or fluid on the face, legs, hands, arms, etc.
Treatment for Smallpox
Smallpox is a contagious disease, which transmits from one person to another by infective droplets of an infected person. For this contagious disease, there is no treatment found. There is no such cure available for this syndrome, since it is a deadly disease. By vaccinating with the smallpox vaccine, it could be still prevented. From illness and causing fatal conditions to humans for the disease, this vaccine helps to prevent. The antibodies present in this vaccine protects the body from invading and to destroy the virus.
Fun Facts
Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by one of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. In october 1977, The last naturally occurring case was diagnosed, and has been certified the global eradication of the disease in 1980 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
There's no treatment or cure for smallpox. Though a vaccine can prevent it, the vaccine's side effect risk is too high to justify routine vaccination for people at low risk of exposure to the virus.
In addition to flu-like symptoms, patients also experience a rash that appears first on the face, hands and forearms and then later appears on the torso.
Usually, after the infection of the variola virus, the symptoms occur after 17 days.
Since the time of ancient Egypt, smallpox has proven to be one of the most devastating diseases to humankind. The pages of our history books have been filled by the widespread smallpox epidemics and huge death tolls.
The first smallpox vaccine was created in 1758. But, the disease continued the process of infecting and killing people on a widespread basis for another 200 years.
It was one of the world's most devastating diseases known to humanity. In Somalia in 1977 it was the last known natural case. Naturally occurring smallpox was destroyed worldwide by 1980.
FAQs on Smallpox: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
1. What is smallpox and what is its causative agent?
Smallpox was a severe, contagious, and often fatal infectious disease. It is caused by the Variola virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family. The virus primarily spreads from person to person through infected respiratory droplets or direct contact with contaminated fluids or objects.
2. What are the main symptoms of a smallpox infection?
The symptoms of smallpox typically appear 10 to 14 days after infection. The initial signs are not the rash but include:
- High fever
- Headache and body aches
- Vomiting
After 2-4 days, a characteristic rash emerges, starting as small red spots on the tongue and in the mouth. These turn into sores that break open, spreading the virus. The rash then appears on the skin, progressing from bumps to fluid-filled pustules that eventually crust over and fall off, leaving deep scars.
3. How is the smallpox virus transmitted between people?
Smallpox transmission occurs primarily through direct person-to-person contact. An infected individual can spread the Variola virus through respiratory droplets when they cough, sneeze, or talk. It can also be transmitted through contact with the fluid from the sores or by touching contaminated objects like bedding or clothing (fomites).
4. What was the primary method of smallpox prevention that led to its eradication?
The primary and most effective method for preventing smallpox was vaccination. The smallpox vaccine, which used a live, related virus called vaccinia, stimulated a strong immune response against the Variola virus. A global vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) was so successful that it resulted in the complete eradication of the disease from the world.
5. Does smallpox still exist in the world today?
No, naturally occurring smallpox has been completely eradicated. The last known natural case was in 1977. The World Health Organization officially declared the world free of smallpox in 1980. However, official stocks of the Variola virus are kept for research purposes in two high-security laboratories in the United States and Russia.
6. How can one differentiate between smallpox and chickenpox?
While both cause rashes, they have key differences. The smallpox rash develops uniformly, with all sores at the same stage of development at any given time. In contrast, the chickenpox rash appears in successive waves, so you can see new spots, blisters, and crusted scabs all at once. Additionally, the smallpox rash is often concentrated on the face and extremities, whereas the chickenpox rash is more concentrated on the torso.
7. Why was it possible to completely eradicate smallpox, but not other diseases like influenza?
Several factors made smallpox a unique candidate for eradication:
- Human-only reservoir: The Variola virus only infects humans, meaning there were no animal populations to sustain the disease.
- Obvious symptoms: Infected individuals were easily identifiable, allowing for quick isolation and quarantine.
- Effective vaccine: A single dose of the smallpox vaccine provided long-lasting immunity.
- Low mutation rate: Unlike the rapidly mutating influenza virus, the Variola virus was genetically stable, so the vaccine remained effective over time.
8. What made the Variola virus so deadly to humans?
The Variola virus was exceptionally virulent because it evolved sophisticated mechanisms to evade the human immune system. It produced specific proteins that actively blocked the body's natural antiviral responses, such as the interferon system. This allowed the virus to replicate uncontrollably, leading to a massive systemic infection, organ failure, and a high mortality rate of about 30%.
9. What is the significance of the global eradication of smallpox for modern public health?
The eradication of smallpox is considered one of the greatest achievements in public health history. Its significance lies in demonstrating that with coordinated international effort, a devastating infectious disease can be completely wiped out. It serves as a powerful model for global health initiatives, showcasing the immense value of widespread vaccination programs, surveillance, and international cooperation in fighting disease.
