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How Much Do You Know About Smallpox?

Smallpox was once found throughout the world, causing illness and death wherever it occurred. Smallpox was mainly a disease of children and young adults, with family members often infecting each other. A large program by the World Health Organization (WHO)got rid of all known smallpox viruses from the world. The disease was declared eliminated in 1980. Although the disease no longer exists, samples of the virus that caused smallpox were saved by a few governments for research purposes. All research using the variola virus is overseen by the WHO. The agency reviews the research that is proposed each year.

1. Smallpox is caused by:
2. Smallpox is spread through close contact with a person who has symptoms of the disease. When is a person with smallpox the most infectious?
3. Because there are currently no cases of smallpox anywhere in the world, what would be considered an outbreak?
4. Which symptom of smallpox infection shows up first?
5. In the past, smallpox was often confused with which other illness?
6. What trace of smallpox often remains after the infection ends?
7. How is smallpox treated?
8. If a person is diagnosed with smallpox, the person should be:
9. A vaccine can prevent smallpox. How often is it given?
10. How is the vaccine given?

Medical Reviewers:

  • Felson, Sabrina MD
  • Sather, Rita RN
  • Watson, L Renee, MSN, RN