![]() ![]() government is taking precautions for dealing with a smallpox outbreak. However, in the aftermath of the events of September and October, 2001, there is heightened concern that the variola virus might be used as an agent of bioterrorism. Except for laboratory stockpiles, the variola virus has been eliminated. Smallpox is caused by the variola virus that emerged in human populations thousands of years ago. After the disease was eliminated from the world, routine vaccination against smallpox among the general public was stopped because it was no longer necessary for prevention. The last naturally occurring case in the world was in Somalia in 1977. The last case of smallpox in the United States was in 1949. Smallpox outbreaks have occurred from time to time for thousands of years, but the disease is now eradicated after a successful worldwide vaccination program. Variola minor is a less common presentation of smallpox, and a much less severe disease, with death rates historically of 1% or less. Historically, variola major has an overall fatality rate of about 30% however, flat and hemorrhagic smallpox usually are fatal. There are four types of variola major smallpox: ordinary (the most frequent type, accounting for 90% or more of cases) modified (mild and occurring in previously vaccinated persons) flat and hemorrhagic (both rare and very severe). Variola major is the severe and most common form of smallpox, with a more extensive rash and higher fever. There are two clinical forms of smallpox. The name smallpox is derived from the Latin word for "spotted" and refers to the raised bumps that appear on the face and body of an infected person. There is no specific treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is vaccination. Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease. Department of Health and Human ServicesĬenter for Disease Control and Prevention For more information, visit For media inquiries, call the HHS Press Office at:įor public inquiries, call the CDC public response hotline at: ![]()
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