Smallpox | Definition, History, Vaccine, & Facts | Britannica
WebMar 26, 2024 · Smallpox is an infectious disease that begins with fever and headache and proceeds to an eruption of the skin that leaves pockmarks. For centuries smallpox was one of the world’s most-dreaded diseases. But it was also one of the first diseases to be controlled by a vaccine, which led to its eradication in 1980.
Smallpox - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
WebAug 5, 2022 · Smallpox is a serious and often deadly viral infection. It's contagious — meaning it spreads from person to person — and can cause permanent scarring. Sometimes, it causes disfigurement. Smallpox has affected humans for thousands of years but was wiped out worldwide by 1980 thanks to smallpox vaccines.
Smallpox - Wikipedia
WebSmallpox is caused by infection with variola virus, which belongs to the family Poxviridae, subfamily Chordopoxvirinae, genus Orthopoxvirus. Evolution. The date of the appearance of smallpox is not settled. It most probably evolved from a terrestrial African rodent virus between 68,000 and 16,000 years ago.
What is Smallpox? | Smallpox | CDC
WebJun 7, 2016 · What is Smallpox? Before smallpox was eradicated, it was a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It was contagious—meaning, it spread from one person to another. People who had smallpox had a …
Smallpox - World Health Organization (WHO)
WebSep 21, 2023 · Overview. More. Smallpox is an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family. It was one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity and caused millions of deaths before it was eradicated. It is believed to have existed for at least 3000 years.
Smallpox: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention - Cleveland Clinic
WebApr 7, 2023 · Overview. Smallpox caused a hard, blistering rash over most of your body that left disfiguring scars. What is smallpox? Smallpox was a serious illness that killed hundreds of millions before its eradication. It caused a hard, blistering rash that often led to disfiguring scars. About 1 in 3 people who got smallpox died from it.
Smallpox | CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WebIn 1980, the World Health Assembly declared smallpox eradicated (eliminated), and no cases of naturally occurring smallpox have happened since. Smallpox research in the United States continues and focuses on the development of vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic tests to protect people against smallpox in the event that it is used as an agent of ...
History of Smallpox | Smallpox | CDC
WebPrint. Origin of Smallpox. The origin of smallpox is unknown. The finding of smallpox-like rashes on Egyptian mummies suggests that smallpox has existed for at least 3,000 years. The earliest written description of a disease like smallpox appeared in China in the 4 th century CE (Common Era).
Smallpox Information and Facts | National Geographic
WebSmallpox is an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus. It gets its name from the Latin word for "spotted," referring to the raised, pustular bumps that break out over the face and...
Smallpox - World Health Organization (WHO)
WebSmallpox. 28 June 2016 | Q&A. What is smallpox? Does it occur naturally? How can I catch it and is it contagious? How fast does smallpox spread? Weren't the remaining stocks of the smallpox virus destroyed after smallpox was eradicated? Then why is smallpox being talked about now? Can it be treated? Is a vaccine currently available?
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