JAMA patient page. Smallpox.

Smallpox is a viral infection caused by the Variola virus (an Orthopoxvirus) that can affect people of all ages. Smallpox is contagious and has a 30% fatality rate. The infection manifests with a fever, which precedes the development of a progressive rash that occurs all over the body starting in the mouth and on the face. The rash appears as firm, fluid-filled, and singularly dimpled bumps that eventually become crusty and then form scabs. The rash can persist for several weeks and leaves pitted scars when the scabs fall off. There is no known treatment for smallpox. Millions of people died during widespread smallpox epidemics in the past. Fortunately, smallpox was eradicated as a naturally occurring disease in 1980 after a successful worldwide vaccination program. There have been no cases in the United States since 1972. Most persons born before 1971 were vaccinated once against smallpox. Currently there are no recommendations for vaccination of the general public against smallpox, although there is concern that this virus could be used for bioterrorism. The United States has an adequate supply of smallpox vaccine for those who would need it in the event of such an outbreak. This includes all those known to be directly exposed, health care workers, public health workers, and volunteer responders to the crisis situation. The March 11, 2009, issue of JAMA includes an article about smallpox vaccination.