Smallpox and Smallpox Vaccination
What do I need to know about smallpox?
Smallpox is an extremely serious disease caused by a virus. It is passed from person to person by contact with body fluids and contaminated objects. It can also be (but rarely is) spread through the air in enclosed spaces, such as buildings.
Virus in droplets (from peoples' breath) does not last long in the air. Ultraviolet light from the sun kills 90% of this virus in about 24 hours.
Most people who catch smallpox recover, but can suffer permanent scars on their skin. However, as many as 30% of people infected with smallpox can die.
No cases of smallpox have occurred in the world since 1980, when the disease was declared eradicated.
Why all this talk about smallpox now?
The US government believes that small amounts of smallpox virus that were used by our government and others to learn more about the virus and its spread may have made their way into the hands of those who could use it in a terrorist attack.
How likely is this threat to us? It is unclear at present if the possible use of smallpox virus for terrorism is likely.
So why don't we all just get vaccinated ?
Smallpox vaccine (which uses a related live virus, called vaccinia) has not been used since 1972, when smallpox was declared to be wiped out. The vaccine has a fairly high rate of complications, when compared with other vaccines.
Based on public health experience from years ago, we expect that for every million doses of smallpox vaccine given to people:
- 1 to 2 people will die
- 50 or more people will experience serious illness, sufficient for hospitalization
So, the plan is to first vaccinate those workers (public health and health care) who might be expected to come in contact with someone who is sick with smallpox. Also, military who might be sent in combat to an area where terrorist groups are active will be vaccinated. Next, those workers in emergency medical and related services will receive the vaccine. The plan for vaccinating individuals as a part of bioterrorism preparedness does not include the general public at this time.
If an unvaccinated person is exposed to smallpox, the disease can still be prevented if they receive the vaccine within 3 days. Vaccination within 4 to 7 days after exposure will offer some protection against the disease or lessen its symptoms.
Is there a treatment for smallpox?
There is no treatment for smallpox. However, antiviral drugs are being tested in animals.
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For additional questions about smallpox, the symptoms of smallpox, and smallpox vaccine, please go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/index.asp |