Prognosis

Smallpox is one of the most communicable of all infectious diseases. Studies have shown that about 30% of people exposed to the virus can become infected. Of those who are unvaccinated, 30% may die. Survivors of the disease may experience severe complications including deeply scarred skin, blindness, arthritis, osteomyelitis (bone infection), and fetal infections during pregnancy resulting in additional severe complications or death of the fetus.