Smallpox is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the virus belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus , which can be transmitted through droplets of saliva or sneeze, for example. Upon entering the body, this virus grows and multiplies within the cells, leading to the appearance of symptoms such as high fever, body aches, intense vomiting and the appearance of blisters on the skin.
When infection occurs, treatment aims to reduce the symptoms of the disease and prevent transmission to other people, and the use of antibiotics to prevent the appearance of associated bacterial infections may also be indicated.
Despite being a serious disease, highly contagious and that has no cure, smallpox is considered eradicated by the World Health Organization due to the success related to vaccination against the disease. Despite this, vaccination can still be recommended due to the fear associated with bioterrorism, and it is important to prevent the disease.
Smallpox Symptoms
Smallpox symptoms appear between 10 and 12 days after infection by the virus, the initial signs and symptoms being:
- High fever; Muscle aches in the body; Low back pain; General malaise; Severe vomiting; Nausea; Belly pain; Headache; Diarrhea; Delirium.
A few days after the onset of the initial symptoms, blisters appear in the mouth, face and arms that spread quickly to the trunk and legs. These blisters can easily burst and lead to scarring. In addition, after a while the blisters, especially those on the face and trunk, become more hardened and appear to be attached to the skin.
Smallpox Transmission
Smallpox transmission happens mainly through inhalation or contact with saliva of people infected by the virus. Although less common, transmission can also occur through personal clothing or bedding.
Smallpox is more contagious in the first week of infection, but as scabs form on the wounds, there is a decrease in transmissibility.
How is the treatment
Smallpox treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent secondary bacterial infections, which can happen due to the fragility of the immune system. In addition, it is recommended that the person be in isolation to prevent the transmission of the virus to others.
In 2018 the drug Tecovirimat was approved, which can be used against smallpox. Although the disease has been eradicated, its approval was due to the possibility of bioterrorism.
Smallpox prevention should be done through the smallpox vaccine and avoiding contact with infected people or objects that have had contact with the patient.
Smallpox Vaccine
The smallpox vaccine prevents the onset of the disease and helps to cure it or reduce its consequences if administered within 3-4 days after the patient has contracted the infection. However, if the symptoms of the disease have already appeared, vaccination may have no effect.
Smallpox vaccine is not part of the basic vaccination schedule in Brazil, as the disease was considered eradicated more than 30 years ago. However, the military and health professionals may request to be vaccinated to prevent possible infection.
