Smallpox Natural (Smallpox)

Smallpox, also known as Variola, is an acute infectious viral disease that causes a significant increase in the patient's body temperature and the appearance of a characteristic rash on the body, leaving characteristic scars on the skin. Infection with smallpox occurs mainly through direct contact with a patient. The incubation period is 8-18 days from the moment of infection, after which the person develops headache and back pain, vomiting and fever.

On the third day of illness, when the temperature begins to subside, red spots of a rash appear on the patient’s face, which quickly spread to the torso and limbs. Over the next eight to nine days, all of these spots turn into papules and then into pea-shaped blisters, which are initially filled with watery fluid (look like bubbles) but soon turn into pustules. The patient's temperature rises again and delirium often develops.

On the eleventh or twelfth day of illness, the rash and fever begin to decrease. In place of drying pustules, which fall off on days 7-20, scabs form, after which characteristic smallpox scars remain on the body. The patient remains contagious until all the scabs fall off.

Most patients recover, but some may develop serious complications such as nephritis or pneumonia. Thiosemicarbazone is used to treat the disease. After suffering an illness, the human body usually develops a strong immunity to it; The immunization of the population against smallpox carried out throughout the world has made it possible in recent years to completely eradicate this disease.

Historically, smallpox was one of the most dangerous and deadly diseases. In the 18th century, it killed up to 30% of those infected, and survivors could be left with serious complications such as blindness and burns. In 1967, WHO began a large-scale program to eradicate smallpox, which consisted of mass vaccination of the population. Thanks to this program, smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980.

However, despite this, there are concerns that smallpox could be used for bioterrorism purposes. Therefore, some countries are maintaining vaccine stocks and conducting training in case of a possible outbreak of the disease.

In addition to smallpox, there is also white smallpox (Alastrim) and cowpox. White smallpox is caused by another virus, which is not as dangerous to humans as smallpox, and is found mainly in tropical countries. Cowpox, as the name suggests, affects livestock, although in some cases it can be transmitted to humans. However, it does not cause such serious consequences as smallpox.

In conclusion, we can say that smallpox is one of the most dangerous viral diseases in human history. Thanks to a massive eradication program carried out by WHO, it has been almost completely eradicated. However, there is a need to maintain vaccine supplies and prepare for a possible future outbreak.