Smallpox is a serious, contagious disease caused by the smallpox virus. One of their characteristics is a skin rash. We distinguish 2 types of viruses, and they are large and small pox. Both can have consequences, and the symptoms vary in intensity and severity. This disease has characteristic traces and blisters on the body. They are transmitted from person to person, by inhaling drops of the virus, coughing and sneezing. Another form of transmission is contaminated items, such as contact with infected clothing and items that have a virus or items that belonged to a person with smallpox.
It can be said that throughout history there have been several smallpox epidemics around the world. Apart from plague and tuberculosis, it is considered one of the most deadly diseases on the planet that mankind has ever known. About 300 million people died of smallpox. The last case of this disease in the world was recorded in 1978. The World Health Organization officially announced the eradication of smallpox worldwide in 1980. The disease has caused the most deaths in the past and has been eradicated thanks to a vaccine and a comprehensive vaccination plan.
Smallpox – what are the main symptoms
What are the symptoms of smallpox? The first signs are most reminiscent of the common flu. Among the most common symptoms of this disease are general weakness, fever, nausea, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea. The virus first spreads through the lymphatic system. After the incubation period, symptoms of smallpox begin to appear, red bubbles filled with itchy fluid. The characteristic bubbles expand rapidly, from the face to the trunk and limbs. Serious complications can occur when scratching the bubbles.
Among the most severe is vision loss, which occurs if a person with contaminated hands touches their eyes. The blisters form purulent scabs. Smallpox is most contagious during the first week of infection. As the scabs overlap, the portability decreases. Most people recover without problems, while in severe cases the mortality is around 30%. Their action is on the immune system, which can cause various complications. In the most severe cases, large pox can cause blindness, bone and lung infections, leading to death. Namely, deaths occur in the second week of the disease, and occur as a result of an inflammatory response that causes organ failure.
Is there a cure for smallpox
How to treat large pox? Treatment of smallpox is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing infections, which occur due to weakened immunity. There is no special treatment for smallpox. Patients must take fluids, temperature control medications, and antibiotics to prevent infections that can occur as a result of smallpox. How is the transmission of smallpox prevented? Patients with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis, as well as people with whom they have been in close contact, must be isolated because they can transmit the virus to others.
Because it is categorized as one of the most devastating diseases in the entire history of mankind, a quick diagnosis increases a person’s chances of survival. The smallpox vaccine can prevent the disease if given within 4 to 7 days of exposure to the virus. There are no known risk factors for this disease today. Due to the severity of the disease, it is recommended to inform as much as possible about the symptoms, causes and treatment of smallpox in order to avoid the occurrence of new cases.
source: mayoclinic
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