Smallpox: The Disease Vaccination Stopped, and Why It Still Matters

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 vaccination stopped its spread, and the last case was reported in 1977.

Why it still matters

Two research laboratories still keep small amounts of the virus, and experts fear that bioterrorists could use it to spread disease. Smallpox spreads very easily from person to person.

Symptoms

The symptoms start out like flu:

• high fever;
• fatigue;
• headache;
• backache;
• a rash with flat red sores.

Treatment

There is no treatment. Fluids and medicines for pain or fever can help control symptoms. Most people recover, but some die, and survivors may be badly scarred.

Vaccine

The United States stopped routine smallpox vaccination in 1972. The military and other high-risk groups still receive it, and the country has increased its supply of vaccine in recent years. Because the vaccine makes some people sick, doctors keep it for those at highest risk.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Smallpox." https://medlineplus.gov/smallpox.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.