What is smallpox?
Smallpox is an infectious and contagious disease caused by the smallpox virus. It is an orthopoxvirus that is transmitted between humans. That is, when in contact with the nose or mouth, the virus enters the body and spreads through the lymphatic system (a complex network of vessels and small structures called lymph nodes (lymph nodes)) and the circulatory system until it reaches the skin, where the wounds and "blisters" characteristic of the disease occur.
Should I be concerned about the risk of smallpox infection?
Smallpox is a disease that has been officially eradicated by the World Health Organization since 1980. However, there may be variations of the virus, so there are concerns about the possible use of the virus in bioterrorism.
How is smallpox transmitted?
Smallpox is transmitted when there is contact with the virus between people or objects contaminated by exhaled droplets, saliva or sneezes.
You can also contract the virus if it is inspired by the airways.
What are the symptoms of smallpox?
The main symptoms of smallpox are:
- fever
- severe headache
- Vomiting
- red spots on the skin and mucous membranes (mouth, nose...)
- ulcers/sores and "blisters" on the skin
- low back pain
- severe fatigue
- inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis)
What is the incubation period for smallpox?
The incubation time of smallpox virus can vary between 10 and 14 days (ranging from 7 to 19 days after exposure).
What is the transmission period of smallpox?
The period of transmissibility of the virus is usually 3 weeks, but it can last until all the scabs fall off.
What are the risk groups?
Smallpox poses a higher risk to the following groups:
- Pregnant women
- immunocompromised people
What are the complications of smallpox?
Although they do not always occur, the most serious complications associated with infection with the virus are:
- corneal ulcers (transparent layer in front of the iris and pupil) that lead to blindness
- bacterial infection of the skin
- infection of the lungs, brain and bones
In more severe cases, death may even occur, especially in cases with hemorrhagic smallpox.
How is the disease diagnosed?
The diagnosis of smallpox is made through:
- complete medical history, including travel history, history of contact with patients with skin changes
- Symptom Research
- Observation of skin lesions ("blisters") at the same stage of development
- testing for smallpox virus or DNA
Is it possible to prevent smallpox?
The most effective way to prevent smallpox is through vaccination. Since smallpox has been eradicated, vaccination does not exist routinely, it is only being done to risk groups, for example, in people who work with the virus, in the laboratory.
What is the treatment for smallpox?
After infection, treatment should be based on isolating the patient with the use of protective equipment (N95 respirators) to prevent contagion to other people and reduce symptoms. Thus, treatment may involve:
- good hydration/plenty of fluids
- skin care, to improve the appearance of "blisters"
- Observation for treatment of complications
- Antivirals, antibiotics to treat secondary infections
Are there other diseases that can be confused with smallpox?
yes. There are currently other infectious diseases dirty symptoms can be confused with smallpox. This is the case of:
- chickenpox
- herpes zoster and herpes simplex
- impetigo: superficial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or both
- Erythema multiforme: an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the presence of reddish, raised plaques on the skin
- enterovirus infection, such as hand-foot-mouth syndrome
- molluscum contagiosum: a cutaneous viral infection caused by the Poxvirus virus, which is common and common in children
- scabies (scabies)
- Contact dermatitis
- virus infection Monkeypox (VMPX)