{"id":5153,"date":"2026-11-04T18:04:24","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T12:34:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/?p=5153"},"modified":"2026-11-05T10:51:12","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T05:21:12","slug":"what-is-smallpox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/","title":{"rendered":"Smallpox: a disease that took the lives of millions of people years ago"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Abstract\" >Abstract\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Introduction\" >Introduction:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#1_What_Is_Smallpox_What_kind_of_disease_was_smallpox_after_all\" >1. What Is Smallpox? What kind of disease was smallpox, after all?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#How_did_Smallpox_affect_the_body\" >How did Smallpox affect the body?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#What_Causes_Smallpox_Disease_What_was_the_real_cause_of_smallpox\" >What Causes Smallpox Disease? What was the real cause of smallpox?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#2_How_did_the_Variola_Virus_enter_the_body\" >2. How did the Variola Virus enter the body?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Did_Smallpox_spread_from_animals\" >Did Smallpox spread from animals?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Was_it_an_airborne_disease\" >Was it an airborne disease?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#3_Signs_and_Symptoms_of_Smallpox\" >3. Signs and Symptoms of Smallpox:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#First_stage_Incubation_Period\" >First stage: Incubation Period<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Second_stage_Sudden_high_fever\" >Second stage: Sudden high fever<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Third_stage_Rash_develops_on_the_skin\" >Third stage: Rash develops on the skin<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Fourth_stage_Deep_blisters_and_scabs\" >Fourth stage: Deep blisters and scabs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Fifth_stage_Recovery_or_serious_complications\" >Fifth stage: Recovery or serious complications<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#_4_Types_of_Smallpox_How_many_types_of_smallpox_were_there\" >\u00a04. Types of Smallpox: How many types of smallpox were there?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Variola_Major_and_Variola_Minor\" >Variola Major and Variola Minor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Ordinary_Smallpox\" >Ordinary Smallpox<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Modified_Smallpox\" >Modified Smallpox<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Flat-Type_Smallpox\" >Flat-Type Smallpox<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#_Hemorrhagic_Smallpox\" >\u00a0Hemorrhagic Smallpox<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#5_Smallpox_Diagnosis_How_did_scientists_identify_this_disease\" >5. Smallpox Diagnosis: How did scientists identify this disease?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Laboratory_Testing_and_PCR\" >Laboratory Testing and PCR<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#What_do_doctors_examine\" >What do doctors examine?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#6_What_was_the_difference_between_Smallpox_and_Chickenpox\" >6. What was the difference between Smallpox and Chickenpox?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#7_The_history_of_Smallpox_Why_was_humanity_helpless_for_thousands_of_years\" >7. The history of Smallpox: Why was humanity helpless for thousands of years?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#When_people_had_no_knowledge_of_the_virus_behind_the_disease\" >When people had no knowledge of the virus behind the disease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#8_Edward_Jenner_A_Discovery_That_Changed_Medical_History\" >8. Edward Jenner: A Discovery That Changed Medical History<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#How_did_the_idea_that_Cowpox_could_protect_against_Smallpox_arise\" >How did the idea that Cowpox could protect against Smallpox arise?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#9_Smallpox_in_India_When_Smallpox_Was_a_Major_Public_Health_Challenge\" >9. Smallpox in India: When Smallpox Was a Major Public Health Challenge<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#1974_A_Severe_Period_of_Smallpox_in_India\" >1974: A Severe Period of Smallpox in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#How_Did_India_Become_Free_of_Smallpox\" >How Did India Become Free of Smallpox?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#10_How_exactly_was_Smallpox_eradicated_from_the_world\" >10. How exactly was Smallpox eradicated from the world?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Surveillance_Reaching_every_infected_person\" >Surveillance: Reaching every infected person<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Surveillance_means_continuously_monitoring_cases_of_infection_Health_workers_gathered_information_about_sick_people_by_visiting_villages_towns_and_cities_When_a_suspected_patient_was_identified_they_were_examined_and_the_people_who_had_been_in_contact_with_them_were_monitored_Ring_Vaccination_A_protective_ring_around_the_infection\" >Surveillance means continuously monitoring cases of infection. Health workers gathered information about sick people by visiting villages, towns and cities. When a suspected patient was identified, they were examined, and the people who had been in contact with them were monitored. \n \nRing Vaccination: A protective ring around the infection,<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#The_final_natural_case_and_the_historic_declaration\" >The final natural case and the historic declaration<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#11_Was_any_treatment_available_for_Smallpox\" >11. Was any treatment available for Smallpox?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#What_is_Supportive_Care\" >What is Supportive Care?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Modern_Antiviral_Medicines\" >Modern Antiviral Medicines<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#12_Smallpox_Vaccine_Is_it_still_necessary_to_get_it_today\" >12. Smallpox Vaccine: Is it still necessary to get it today?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#How_useful_can_the_Vaccine_be_after_exposure\" >How useful can the Vaccine be after exposure?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#13_What_effects_did_Smallpox_have_on_the_body_even_after_recovery\" >13. What effects did Smallpox have on the body even after recovery?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Permanent_scars_on_the_face\" >Permanent scars on the face<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#_These_are_called_Pockmarks\" >\u00a0These are called Pockmarks.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Effects_on_eyesight\" >Effects on eyesight<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Other_serious_problems\" >Other serious problems<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#14_Could_Smallpox_Return_in_the_Future\" >14. Could Smallpox Return in the Future?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#15_Some_Common_Misconceptions_About_Smallpox\" >15. Some Common Misconceptions About Smallpox<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpoints.in\/hi\/what-is-smallpox\/#Disclaimer\" >Disclaimer:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Abstract\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abstract\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine a disease that first entered the body as a high fever and, just a few days later, left painful blisters across the face and entire body. Many people survived it, but the deep scars on their faces reminded them of the disease for the rest of their lives. Others were left permanently blind by it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This disease was called Smallpox. It was one of the most dangerous infectious diseases in human history. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Smallpox remained a threat to human society for nearly 3,000 years. In its severe form, about 30% of those infected died.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the most astonishing thing is that humans completely eradicated from the world the disease that had devastated millions of families for centuries. In 1980, the WHO officially declared Smallpox eradicated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So what causes smallpox disease, what were its early symptoms, how was Smallpox diagnosed, and how did scientists manage to eradicate it even without modern medical facilities? In this article, we will explore the full story of Smallpox\u2014its history, scientific causes, types, transmission, treatment, and eradication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span><strong>Introduction:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When people used to be afraid at the mention of Smallpox\u00a0 Today, if someone develops a fever along with red rashes on their body, they might think of Chickenpox, an allergy, or another infection. But a few decades ago, this same situation could have been terrifying for a family.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> At that time, Smallpox was not just a disease. It was a threat that could spread throughout an entire village or city. An infected person had to be kept separate from others. The biggest question facing family members was whether the patient would survive.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> One interesting fact about Smallpox is that many people mistake it for Chickenpox, or \u201csmall pox.\u201d Both diseases can cause rashes and blisters on the skin, but their viruses, symptoms, and severity are different.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, Smallpox is no longer spreading naturally anywhere in the world. The last known naturally occurring case was reported in Somalia in 1977. Even so, it is important to understand the history of this disease, because Smallpox played an important role in the development of modern Vaccination, Disease Surveillance, and public health systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_Is_Smallpox_What_kind_of_disease_was_smallpox_after_all\"><\/span><strong>1. What Is Smallpox? What kind of disease was smallpox, after all?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smallpox was a serious, highly contagious viral disease caused by the Variola virus. This virus belongs to the Poxviridae family and the Orthopoxvirus genus. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If someone asks, \u201cIs smallpox a disease?\u201d, the answer is yes: <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smallpox was a real infectious disease that affected human populations for thousands of years. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similarly, the answer to the question \u201cIs smallpox a viral disease?\u201d is also yes, because it was caused not by a Bacterium, Fungus, or Parasite, but by the Variola virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_did_Smallpox_affect_the_body\"><\/span><strong>How did Smallpox affect the body?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After entering the body, the virus established an infection and did not show symptoms for several days. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then a sudden high fever, headache, fatigue, and back pain could begin. A few days later, red spots appeared on the skin, gradually becoming raised bumps and then pus-filled blisters. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One distinctive feature of this disease was that most of the spots on any given part of the body appeared to be at roughly the same stage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Causes_Smallpox_Disease_What_was_the_real_cause_of_smallpox\"><\/span><strong>What Causes Smallpox Disease? What was the real cause of smallpox?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most important question in understanding any disease is how it actually begins. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the case of Smallpox, the answer is the Variola Virus. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is a DNA Virus that infects cells in the human body and makes copies of itself. This activates the body\u2019s Immune System, which begins to respond to the infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_How_did_the_Variola_Virus_enter_the_body\"><\/span><strong>2. How did the Variola Virus enter the body?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historically, Smallpox spread mainly through close and relatively prolonged Face-to-Face Contact with an infected person. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infectious particles released from an infected person\u2019s mouth and throat could reach another person. Contaminated bedding, clothing, and other objects could also spread the infection in some circumstances. That is why, during Smallpox outbreaks, it was essential to isolate patients and identify people who had come into contact with them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Did_Smallpox_spread_from_animals\"><\/span><strong>Did Smallpox spread from animals?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural infection with Smallpox was found only in humans. No animal or insect was considered a natural Reservoir for it. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This characteristic later proved beneficial in eradicating the disease. When a virus naturally infects only humans and an effective Vaccine is available against it, it may be possible to break the chain of transmission.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Was_it_an_airborne_disease\"><\/span><strong>Was it an airborne disease?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smallpox spread mainly through Respiratory Droplets and other infectious respiratory particles during close contact. Historical cases of infection spreading over longer distances through the air have also been documented in certain circumstances. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, simply not touching an infected person was not enough. The duration of contact, the environment, and infection control were also important.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Signs_and_Symptoms_of_Smallpox\"><\/span><strong>3. Signs and Symptoms of Smallpox:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The First Signs of Infection in the Body The most frightening thing about Smallpox was that the virus did not show symptoms immediately after entering the body. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0A person could feel normal for several days. But as soon as the early symptoms appeared, the illness could quickly become severe. According to the CDC, Smallpox infection developed in different stages.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"First_stage_Incubation_Period\"><\/span><strong>First stage: Incubation Period<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, no clear symptoms appeared for 10 to 14 days after infection. The broader range could be approximately 7 to 19 days. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During this time, the virus was establishing an infection in the body, but the person was generally not contagious.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Second_stage_Sudden_high_fever\"><\/span><strong>Second stage: Sudden high fever<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At this stage, the patient would begin to experience severe flu-like illness.\u00a0 Its main symptoms were: Fever of approximately 38.3\u00b0C or higher<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe lower back and back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extreme weakness and fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chills and loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, vomiting and abdominal pain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These symptoms could resemble a common viral infection. But the distinctive rash that appeared afterward was important in identifying Smallpox.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Third_stage_Rash_develops_on_the_skin\"><\/span><strong>Third stage: Rash develops on the skin<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few days after the fever began, small red spots would start appearing on the skin. The rash usually appeared inside the mouth, on the face, and on the hands and feet. Later, it could spread to other parts of the body.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It developed gradually:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 Macules<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Flat spots<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 Papules<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Raised bumps<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 Vesicles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Fluid-filled blisters<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 Pustules<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pus-filled bumps<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5 Scabs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dry scabs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The typical historical progression of smallpox lesions<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fourth_stage_Deep_blisters_and_scabs\"><\/span><strong>Fourth stage: Deep blisters and scabs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a few days, the blisters would become hard, round, and deep. A pus-like substance would begin to appear in them. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After this, scabs would form over the blisters. After the scabs fell off, many people were left with permanent pitted scars on their skin.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fifth_stage_Recovery_or_serious_complications\"><\/span><strong>Fifth stage: Recovery or serious complications<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients who survived the infection would gradually begin to recover. But in severe cases, several organs of the body could be affected. Some people developed permanent scarring, eye damage, or other serious complications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_4_Types_of_Smallpox_How_many_types_of_smallpox_were_there\"><\/span><strong>\u00a04. Types of Smallpox: How many types of smallpox were there?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all Smallpox infections were alike. In some patients, the disease was relatively mild, while in others, the infection became life-threatening very quickly. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two classifications are important for understanding this. The first is based on Variola Major and Variola Minor, and the second is based on the Clinical Forms of the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Variola_Major_and_Variola_Minor\"><\/span><strong>Variola Major and Variola Minor<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Variola Major was the more severe and historically more common form. It had a recorded mortality rate of about 30%. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Variola Minor was a relatively mild form, with a mortality rate of about 1%. However, it was also an infectious disease, and it would be wrong to mistake it for a common skin infection. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WHO has documented the significant difference in mortality rates between these two forms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Four Major Clinical Forms of Smallpox<\/b><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Type<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Key Characteristics<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Severity<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ordinary Smallpox<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Characterized by deep skin lesions and fluid-filled pustules<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modified Smallpox<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A relatively mild form occurring in previously vaccinated individuals<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually less severe<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flat-Type Smallpox<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin lesions remain flat and may merge together<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extremely severe<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hemorrhagic Smallpox<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding into the skin and other body tissues<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extremely life-threatening<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ordinary_Smallpox\"><\/span><strong> Ordinary Smallpox<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This was the most common Clinical Form. About 85% of historical Smallpox cases were of this type. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0A characteristic rash appeared in the patient after a high fever. The process of blister formation and scab shedding continued for several days.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modified_Smallpox\"><\/span><strong>Modified Smallpox<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This form was seen in people who had previously received the Smallpox Vaccine but still became infected. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These patients could have fewer lesions. The disease progressed relatively quickly, and symptoms were often mild.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flat-Type_Smallpox\"><\/span><strong>Flat-Type Smallpox<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0In this rare form, the skin lesions did not develop into typical blisters. They could appear flat, soft, and confluent. This was an extremely severe infection, with a very high risk of death.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Hemorrhagic_Smallpox\"><\/span><strong>\u00a0Hemorrhagic Smallpox<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This was one of the most terrifying forms of Smallpox. Bleeding could occur in the skin and Mucous Membranes. High fever, severe weakness, and impaired organ function could cause the patient to die very quickly. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the CDC, both Hemorrhagic and Flat-Type were extremely severe Clinical Forms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Smallpox_Diagnosis_How_did_scientists_identify_this_disease\"><\/span><strong>5. Smallpox Diagnosis: How did scientists identify this disease?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suppose a person suddenly develops a high fever. A few days later, blisters begin to appear on their face, hands, and body. Can we say they have Smallpox based only on these symptoms? <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. This is because many other diseases also show similar symptoms.\u00a0 For Smallpox diagnosis, the patient\u2019s symptoms, the appearance of the rash, the order in which it develops, and information related to the infection were taken into account.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clinical Examination: Identifying the disease from the appearance of the rash Smallpox lesions usually formed deep within the skin. They could appear firm and round. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another characteristic was that most lesions on a particular part of the body were at roughly the same stage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if the lesions on the face were at the Pustule stage, most lesions could appear to be at the same stage. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In contrast, with Chickenpox, new red spots, fluid-filled blisters, and dry scabs may all appear at the same time in one area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Laboratory_Testing_and_PCR\"><\/span><strong>Laboratory Testing and PCR<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In modern settings, a special PCR Test that identifies Variola Virus DNA can be used to confirm Smallpox. However, in a suspected case, it is not appropriate to send a Sample to a general laboratory on your own. Testing should be carried out only through authorized public health systems and under special safety protocols.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_doctors_examine\"><\/span><strong>What do doctors examine?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the CDC\u2019s Clinical Guidelines, suspected patients are assessed particularly for the following: the sequence in which the rash appears after the fever, the depth of the lesions, whether they are at the same stage, whether there are more lesions on the face and limbs, and signs of infection on the palms and soles. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural Smallpox infection has now been eradicated. Therefore, it would be wrong to assume that any ordinary Rash that looks similar is Smallpox.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_What_was_the_difference_between_Smallpox_and_Chickenpox\"><\/span><strong>6. What was the difference between Smallpox and Chickenpox?<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Chickenpox (small pox):\u00a0 <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even today, many people in India may be confused about the names Smallpox and Chickenpox.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The two diseases are caused by different viruses. Their transmission, distribution of lesions, and severity may also differ.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><b>Difference Between Smallpox and Chickenpox<\/b><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Comparison<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Smallpox<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Chickenpox<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causative Virus<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Variola Virus<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Varicella-Zoster Virus<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disease Status<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eradicated worldwide<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still occurs today<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Initial Symptoms<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often begins with high fever<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms are often milder<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Distribution of Rash<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mainly affects the face, arms, and legs<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More commonly affects the trunk (chest, back, and abdomen)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stages of Skin Lesions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lesions in the same area are usually at the same stage<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lesions at different stages may appear simultaneously<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depth of Skin Lesions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deep and firm lesions<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relatively superficial lesions<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Historical Severity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very high<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally less severe, but complications can occur<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: This comparison is for general informational purposes only. A disease cannot be definitively diagnosed based solely on the appearance of skin rashes or lesions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_The_history_of_Smallpox_Why_was_humanity_helpless_for_thousands_of_years\"><\/span><strong>7. The history of Smallpox: Why was humanity helpless for thousands of years?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Today, we live in a world where Vaccines are available for many infectious diseases. But a few centuries ago, this was not the case. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smallpox has been part of human history for thousands of years. It is difficult to determine exactly when the disease first emerged, but according to the WHO, it is believed to have existed for at least 3,000 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In ancient times, people had no knowledge of the structure of viruses or the scientific reasons behind their spread. Infection was often understood in terms of religious beliefs, social traditions, and unknown natural forces.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_people_had_no_knowledge_of_the_virus_behind_the_disease\"><\/span><strong>When people had no knowledge of the virus behind the disease<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine someone in a village falls ill. First, they develop a high fever. A few days later, lesions appear on their face. Then the same symptoms begin to appear in other members of the family as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Did Smallpox affect only poor countries?<br \/>\n<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> No. Throughout history, this disease affected different regions and social classes around the world. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smallpox epidemics were recorded in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The disease could spread from one place to another through trade, travel, and human contact. At one time, the threat of Smallpox was not limited to any one country or community.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Edward_Jenner_A_Discovery_That_Changed_Medical_History\"><\/span><strong>8. Edward Jenner: A Discovery That Changed Medical History<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The year 1796 proved to be extremely important in modern medical history. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The English physician Edward Jenner made a discovery that would go on to change the course of Vaccination. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">He observed that some milkmaids appeared to be protected from Smallpox after contracting Cowpox. Cowpox was an infection caused by a related but different virus.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_did_the_idea_that_Cowpox_could_protect_against_Smallpox_arise\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>How did the idea that Cowpox could protect against Smallpox arise?<\/strong> <\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jenner hypothesized that exposure to Cowpox could develop immunity in the body that might help protect against Smallpox. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 1796, he tested this idea. In his historic experiments, a child was given Cowpox material, and protection against Smallpox was later tested.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This experiment would not be acceptable under today\u2019s standards of Medical Ethics. But historically, it played an important role in understanding the effectiveness of Vaccination. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jenner\u2019s contribution was not limited to just one disease. This principle later paved the way for the development of Vaccines against many other infectious diseases.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Smallpox_in_India_When_Smallpox_Was_a_Major_Public_Health_Challenge\"><\/span>9. Smallpox in India: When Smallpox Was a Major Public Health Challenge<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India was also among the countries where Smallpox caused a serious health crisis for a long time. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited medical facilities in rural areas, a large population, people\u2019s movement, and difficulties in identifying cases of infection increased the challenge of controlling the disease.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1974_A_Severe_Period_of_Smallpox_in_India\"><\/span><strong>1974: A Severe Period of Smallpox in India<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A large number of infections were recorded during India\u2019s Smallpox Eradication Campaign in 1974. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to historical records, approximately 11,000 new cases were reported over <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the course of one week in May 1974.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This number shows how great a challenge Smallpox was in India at that time. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But during this same period, efforts to detect and report infections, carry out Vaccination, and identify people who had come into contact with patients advanced rapidly.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Did_India_Become_Free_of_Smallpox\"><\/span><strong>How Did India Become Free of Smallpox?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential patients were sought out door to door in India. Health workers identified people who had come into contact with infected individuals and conducted a Vaccination Campaign. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Campaigns such as Operation Smallpox Target Zero in 1975 played a role in eliminating the remaining chains of infection.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s last known Smallpox case was recorded in May 1975. Surveillance continued even after that, so that hidden cases of infection could be detected. In 1977, based on extensive surveillance, India was confirmed to be free of Smallpox.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_How_exactly_was_Smallpox_eradicated_from_the_world\"><\/span>10. How exactly was Smallpox eradicated from the world?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Could a disease that had existed for nearly 3,000 years be completely eliminated? <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smallpox proved that it was possible. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The World Health Organization launched its Intensified Eradication Programme against Smallpox in 1967. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This campaign focused not only on Vaccination, but also on finding every new case of infection and controlling it immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surveillance_Reaching_every_infected_person\"><\/span><strong>Surveillance: Reaching every infected person<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surveillance_means_continuously_monitoring_cases_of_infection_Health_workers_gathered_information_about_sick_people_by_visiting_villages_towns_and_cities_When_a_suspected_patient_was_identified_they_were_examined_and_the_people_who_had_been_in_contact_with_them_were_monitored_Ring_Vaccination_A_protective_ring_around_the_infection\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surveillance means continuously monitoring cases of infection. Health workers gathered information about sick people by visiting villages, towns and cities. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a suspected patient was identified, they were examined, and the people who had been in contact with them were monitored.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><strong>Ring Vaccination: A protective ring around the infection,<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under this strategy, the close contacts of an infected person, and, as needed, their contacts, were vaccinated. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This helped reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading further. Along with Ring Vaccination, Case Isolation, Contact Tracing and active monitoring played an important role in eradicating Smallpox.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_final_natural_case_and_the_historic_declaration\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The final natural case and the historic declaration<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ali Maow Maalin\u2019s infection began on 26 October 1977 in Somalia. He was recorded as the last known natural case of Smallpox. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Global eradication was certified in December 1979, and in May 1980 the World Health Assembly endorsed the historic declaration of Smallpox eradication. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This became one of the most important public health achievements in human history.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Was_any_treatment_available_for_Smallpox\"><\/span>11. Was any treatment available for Smallpox?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before understanding the treatment for Smallpox, it is important to know one key distinction. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preventing a disease and successfully treating it after it occurs are two different things. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccination played a decisive role in the eradication of Smallpox. However, historically, the main treatment for patients infected with the disease was Supportive Care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Supportive_Care\"><\/span><strong>What is Supportive Care?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its purpose is to support the patient\u2019s body during the infection. This may include maintaining water and Electrolyte Balance, controlling fever and pain, providing nutrition, and caring for serious complications when needed. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients were also kept in special Isolation to prevent the infection from spreading.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modern_Antiviral_Medicines\"><\/span><strong>Modern Antiviral Medicines<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, Antiviral Medicines such as Tecovirimat and Brincidofovir are approved in the United States for the treatment of Smallpox. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But there is an important scientific limitation concerning these medicines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their effectiveness was established mainly through Laboratory and Animal Studies. Because naturally occurring Smallpox has been eradicated, these medicines could not be tested in Clinical Trials to demonstrate their effectiveness in humans infected with the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, it would not be correct to claim that these medicines can definitely cure Smallpox in humans. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They would be used in a potential emergency situation according to the decisions of medical specialists and public health officials.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Smallpox_Vaccine_Is_it_still_necessary_to_get_it_today\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. <\/span>Smallpox Vaccine: Is it still necessary to get it today?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> After Smallpox was eradicated, Routine Smallpox Vaccination was discontinued for the general population worldwide. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, regular Smallpox vaccination is not recommended for the general public because natural Smallpox infection no longer exists. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, Vaccines continue to play a role for some Laboratory Workers at special risk and in preparations for public health emergencies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_useful_can_the_Vaccine_be_after_exposure\"><\/span><strong>How useful can the Vaccine be after exposure?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the CDC, if an appropriate Vaccine is given within approximately 2 to 3 days of exposure to Smallpox, it can prevent the disease or reduce its severity. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccination within the first week after exposure may reduce the severity of symptoms in some cases. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But this is a strategy used by public health officials only in the context of a potential Smallpox Emergency. It should not be understood as a recommendation to get vaccinated on your own.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_What_effects_did_Smallpox_have_on_the_body_even_after_recovery\"><\/span><strong>13. What effects did Smallpox have on the body even after recovery?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The problem with Smallpox was not limited to the risk of death during infection. Many people who survived it faced physical problems for the rest of their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Permanent_scars_on_the_face\"><\/span><strong>Permanent scars on the face<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The deep blisters caused by Smallpox damaged the skin tissue. When these blisters healed, some people developed deep, pitted scars on their faces and bodies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_These_are_called_Pockmarks\"><\/span><strong>\u00a0These are called Pockmarks.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to WHO historical accounts, large numbers of people who survived Smallpox were left with such scars.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Effects_on_eyesight\"><\/span><strong>Effects on eyesight<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some severe cases, Smallpox could affect the cornea of the eye. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complications such as Keratitis or Corneal Ulceration could cause permanent vision loss.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_serious_problems\"><\/span><strong>Other serious problems<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In rare circumstances, complications such as Encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, and Osteomyelitis, or bone infection, were also recorded. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smallpox infection during pregnancy could pose a serious threat to both the unborn child and the mother. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The severity of these complications explains why Vaccination against Smallpox was important not only for preventing infection, but also for protecting against lifelong physical damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Could_Smallpox_Return_in_the_Future\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14. <\/span>Could Smallpox Return in the Future?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer to this question is somewhat complex. Naturally spreading Smallpox has been eradicated. Therefore, there is no known source of ordinary infection today. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, samples of the Variola Virus are kept in highly secure laboratories under international oversight.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> For this reason, public health institutions remain prepared for potential Laboratory Accidents or biological security emergencies. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This does not mean that Smallpox is spreading again or that its return is likely. Rather, it means that scientists do not completely ignore the risks associated with this historic disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Some_Common_Misconceptions_About_Smallpox\"><\/span><strong>15. Some Common Misconceptions About Smallpox<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are Smallpox and Chickenpox the same disease? No. They are caused by different viruses. Is Smallpox still spreading naturally today? No. No known case of natural Smallpox has been recorded since 1977.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did Smallpox affect only children? No. It could infect both children and adults. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did every patient die from it? No. Many patients recovered, but the historical mortality rate for Variola Major was approximately 30%. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Could natural home remedies cure Smallpox? There is no reliable scientific evidence for this. Infection control and medical care were extremely important for a serious disease like Smallpox.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When science defeated one of history\u2019s deadliest diseases There was a time when just hearing the name Smallpox filled people with fear of death, permanent scars, and the spread of infection. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This disease affected human societies for thousands of years. Some lost family members, while others survived the infection but lived with its memory on their faces for the rest of their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the history of Smallpox is not only a story of grief and fear. It is also the story of a scientific effort in which Vaccination, Infection Surveillance, Contact Tracing, and international cooperation came together to eradicate a disease once considered a permanent threat to human life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, perhaps the most important question when reading about Smallpox is not how dangerous the disease was, but how scientific cooperation made it possible to eradicate a disease that humans had endured for thousands of years. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer offers us the greatest lesson in modern public health: accurate scientific information, effective prevention, and collective effort can overcome even challenges that seem impossible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Disclaimer\"><\/span><strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article is intended only for educational and general health information. Smallpox has been eradicated naturally. If someone develops a high fever along with unusual blisters or severe skin symptoms, contact a trained healthcare professional immediately. Do not identify any illness based solely on online information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Abstract\u00a0 Imagine a disease that first entered the body as a high fever and, just a few days later, left&hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5185,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[387],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Smallpox: a disease that took the lives of millions of people years ago - Healthpoints<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What was smallpox, how did it spread, and what were its symptoms? 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