Smallpox
Smallpox is a potentially deadly infection caused by the variola virus. It causes severe illness including a high fever, and is followed by a blisterlike body rash.
Smallpox symptoms develop about 12 days after exposure. The disease is not contagious until the rash first appears. As scabs form, the chance of passing on the disease decreases.
Smallpox was once a worldwide problem, but due to a widespread vaccination program, was declared eradicated (no longer a naturally occurring disease) by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1980. However, there may be a risk that the smallpox virus could be manufactured by people in order to threaten or harm others.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
@ 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.