ABIO 375 - Variola (smallpox)

What causes this disease/condition?

Variola virus

What is the infectious agent (give its name, identify the gene/genetic material, and explain any genetic issues)?

The variola virus (a part of the poxvirus family)

Who gets it?

Anyone can get it, anyone without immunity

If it is contagious, how is it spread?

Direct contact with rash, or respiratory droplets from a contagious person.

What are the symptoms/stages of the disease?

Incubation period: (10-14 days), no symptoms during this time, not contagious

Initial period: (2-4 days), High fever, headaches, not typically contagious but it's possible

Early Rash Phase: Sores/spots appear in throat/mouth then spread to face and head and down the body, then to arms legs, hands, feet, including palms and soles

Rashes turn into bumps (macular to popular) then fill with fluid/pus and become pustular for about 10 days, crust over for a couple days after that

Fully infectious until all scabs fall off and scar

How do we identify/diagnose it?

Not easily identified today (historically identified by observing spots in throat) Testing can be done today

How do we treat it?

Palliative/symptomatic care: fever reducers, hydration (fluids), antihistamines or lotion for itching

Can we prevent it? If so, how? If not, why?

Yes, it was controlled through mass vaccination and a global eradication campaign in 1980.

List at least 3 other things you learned about this condition./What are some historical facts, previously used treatments, or links to other diseases related to this condition?

Three types of smallpox including (modified-type, flat-type, and hemorrhagic)

Pock marks and scarring are a long-term consruqence from the scabs In very rare cases, it could cause blindness

First brought to the Americas (Carribean) in the 16th century through trade/exporaiton