Smallpox (Variola)

Smallpox (Variola): History, Symptoms and Treatment

Smallpox (Variola), also known as smallpox, is an infectious disease caused by the smallpox virus (Variola virus). It has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years and has left a deep imprint on various cultures. In this article, we'll look at key aspects of smallpox, including its history, symptoms, and treatment.

Historical context
Smallpox was one of the most devastating infectious diseases in human history. Information about it is reflected in artifacts and written sources found in various regions of the world. Complications from smallpox could include death, and surviving patients were often left with lifelong scarring or other lasting effects.

Symptoms
The first symptoms of smallpox begin to appear approximately 12-14 days after infection. Patients feel general weakness, headache and fever. Over the course of several days, rashes appear in the form of papules, which progress to vesicles (bubbles). Later, the blisters turn into ulcers and then heal, leaving characteristic scars.

Treatment
Until the development of the smallpox vaccine in the late 18th century, treatment was limited to symptomatic therapy to relieve pain and fever and prevent secondary infections. However, thanks to massive global vaccination and intensive efforts by the World Health Organization, smallpox was completely eradicated in 1980. The smallpox vaccine is no longer recommended for the general population as the disease is no longer considered a threat.

Conclusion
Smallpox (Variola) was one of the most dangerous infectious diseases in human history. Its history of medical discoveries and epidemics has left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of humanity. Thanks to global vaccination and control efforts, smallpox has been completely eradicated. However, studying its history and methods of combating it is important for understanding the role of vaccination in public health and the development of medicine in general.

Smallpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus from the poxvirus family and occurs with fever, general intoxication and characteristic elements on the skin and mucous membranes. The disease is characterized by fever of various types, the appearance on the skin, often in the face, of single or multiple erythematous spots, blisters and vesicular elements tending to merge, accompanied by severe general malaise with headache. The disease in typical cases is benign and often resembles chickenpox.