Smallpox (cont.)Medical Author:
Christopher J Hogan, MD
Coauthor:
Fred Harchelroad, MD, FACMT
Coauthor:
Thomas W McGovern, MD
Medical Editor:
Jerry L Mothershead, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Raymond J Roberge, MD, MPH, FAAEM, FACMT
IN THIS ARTICLEPrognosisSmallpox 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. Viewer Comments & ReviewsSmallpox - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What were your symptoms of smallpox? |
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
From WebMD
Featured Centers
- Ask the Nutritionist: Weight Loss Tips
- Which Drugstore Tooth Whiteners Work Best?
- Gout: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Smallpox »
Smallpox is an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus (Poxvirus variolae), a member of the Poxviridae family of the genus Orthopoxvirus.
Featured Topics
Most Popular Topics
Medical Dictionary
Use Pill Finder
Find it Now
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick,
easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including
24 hour
pharmacies
