Smallpox

Smallpox was caused by either variola major or variola minor which was an infectious disease. Variola vera or variola is a derivative of the latin varius, meaning “spotted”, or varus meaning “pimple”. In 15th century Europe “smallpox” was first used to separate great pox and variola. Exposure to the virus is followed by an incubation period, people may feel fine and do not have any symptoms. This incubation period averages about 12 to 14 days but can range from 7 to 17 days. People aren’t contagious during this period of time.
Malaise, head and body aches, and sometimes vomiting, and fever are the first symptoms of smallpox. When you get this fever it’s usually very high at least in the range of 101 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. At this time people are normally too sick to do or to carry on their daily routine. This lasts about 2 to 4 days and is called the prodrome phase. Over half of people with smallpox experience chills and vomiting. About 15% become confused.
In the beginning a rash emerges as small red spots in the mouth and on the tongue. The red spots grow into sores which then open up and spread large amounts of the virus into the mouth and throat. This very person becomes most infectious, at this time. Sores in the mouth break down around this time. Then a rash appears on the face making its way to the other body parts. This usually happens within 24 hours. As the rash gets to increase, the fever starts to fall and the person starts to feel better. You get raised bumps by the third day of the rash. These bumps get filled with thick opaque fluid and often have a depression in the center that looks like a bellybutton, this all happens on the 4th day. The fever again will rise high and remain like that until scabs grow over the bumps filled with opaque.
The virus is highly spreadable, as it moves into the mucous membranes right when the rash appears. Your body then sheds the cells, and virus particles are released, coughed, or sneezed into the environment. For about 3 weeks the infected person can be very contagious or until the scabs peel off of the rash. In side of the scabs, viruses that are alive can be present. After the scabs peel off a light-skinned scar will be in replaced, this happens in 2 to 4 weeks.
Smallpox from one person to another person spreads by face to face contact. There’s also another way smallpox can be spread. Smallpox can be passed on to others through direct object such as bedding or clothing. Rarely, smallpox has been spread by virus carried in the air in enclosed places such as buildings, buses, and trains. This disease is known to be only spread by humans and no insect or any animals.
A person with smallpox is sometimes contagious with onset of fever which is known for the prodrome phase. The person becomes most contagious with onset of rash. At this stage the infected person is usually very sick and not able to move around in the community. The infected person is contagious until the last smallpox scab falls off the body. October 26, 1977 the last case of small pox was diagnosed.