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What is smallpox?
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Smallpox is a serious,
contagious and sometimes fatal infectious disease. There is no specific
treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is vaccination.
The pox part of smallpox
is derived from the Latin word for “spotted” and refers to the raised
bumps that appear on the face and body of an infected person.
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Where is smallpox found?
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The disease is now
eradicated after a successful worldwide vaccination program. The last
case of smallpox in the United States was in 1949. The last naturally
occurring case in the world was in Somalia in 1977.
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What are the symptoms of
smallpox?
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The symptoms of smallpox
include:
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Fatigue
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Head and body aches
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Vomiting (in some cases)
After a few days, a rash
that appears as small, red bumps on tongue and in mouth develops. These
bumps break open after a couple of days. The rash will then spread to
all parts of the body and appear as raised bumps, filled with a thick,
opaque fluid. These bumps will have a depression in the center. The
bumps become pustules—sharply raised, usually round and firm to the
touch as if there’s a small round object under the skin.
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How is smallpox spread?
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The disease can be spread by direct and prolonged face-to-face contact
with an infected person. It can also be spread through direct contact
with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects.
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How can I keep from
getting smallpox?
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The chances of getting
smallpox are extremely low, due to the fact that the disease is
eradicated. However, the possibility that the diseases may be used as a
biological weapon exists, and therefore, the U.S. government is taking
precautions for dealing with an outbreak.
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If I’ve been exposed to
smallpox, how long will it take for symptoms to develop?
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The initial symptoms of
smallpox can occur between seven and 17 days after exposure.
The vaccine for smallpox
is effective in preventing or lessening the severity of the illness if
the vaccine is given within three days of exposure.
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How serious is the
disease?
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Smallpox is very serious and can lead to death in about 30 percent of
cases.
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Where can I get more
information on smallpox?
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For more information
online, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control at
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/disease/
Or, for more
information, please call the Health Department at 859.363.2070.
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