Smallpox is a highly contagious viral disease that has been eradicated worldwide since 1980, thanks to a global vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease is caused by the variola virus, which is transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person.
Symptoms of smallpox include fever, headache, backache, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash develops into small, raised bumps that fill with fluid and then scab over, leaving permanent scars. The disease can be fatal, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Smallpox was one of the most devastating diseases in human history, with an estimated 300-500 million deaths in the 20th century alone. However, it was the first disease to be eradicated through a global vaccination campaign, which began in 1967 and was successful due to the effectiveness and safety of the smallpox vaccine.
Today, smallpox is considered a potential bioterrorism agent due to the possibility of the virus being released intentionally. However, there is a global stockpile of smallpox vaccine that can be used in the event of an outbreak.
In summary, smallpox is a highly contagious viral disease that was eradicated globally through a successful vaccination campaign. Although it is no longer a public health threat, it is still a potential bioterrorism agent, and global stockpiles of the vaccine are available in case of an outbreak.
