Smallpox Summary Smallpox is a disease caused by the Variola major virus. Some experts say that over the centuries it has killed more people than all other infectious diseases combined. Worldwide immunization stopped the spread of smallpox three decades ago. The last case was reported in 1977. Two research labs still keep small amounts of the virus. Experts fear bioterrorists could use the virus to spread disease. Smallpox spreads very easily from person to person. Symptoms are flu-like. They include High fever Fatigue Headache Backache A rash with flat red sores There is no treatment. Fluids and medicines for pain or fever can help control symptoms. Most people recover, but some can die. Those who do recover may have severe scars. The U.S. stopped routine smallpox vaccinations in 1972. Military and other high-risk groups continue to get the vaccine. The U.S. has increased its supply of the vaccine in recent years. The vaccine makes some people sick, so doctors save it for those at highest risk of disease. NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases World Health Organization World Health Organization Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Smallpox National Institutes of Health Start Here Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Smallpox World Health Organization Smallpox Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Smallpox National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Smallpox Disease Overview Centers for Disease Control and Prevention What You Should Know about a Smallpox Outbreak Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Prevention and Risk Factors Live Virus Smallpox Vaccine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Side Effects of Smallpox Vaccination Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Smallpox Vaccination Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Someone You Are Close to May Get the Smallpox Vaccine: What You Should Know and Do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Journal Articles Smallpox Array Smallpox Smallpox Vaccine Overview Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Teenagers Smallpox Nemours Foundation Images Smallpox (Variola) Logical Images Smallpox Disease Images Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine Reaction Images Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Women Smallpox Vaccination Information for Women Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Related Issues Traditional Smallpox Vaccines and Atopic Dermatitis National Eczema Association for Science and Education What to Do After You’ve Gotten the Smallpox Vaccine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention What We Learn about Smallpox from Movies – Fact or Fiction Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Children What Is Smallpox? Nemours Foundation
