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? |
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Smallpox »
Smallpox is an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus (Poxvirus variolae), a member of the Poxviridae family of the genus Orthopoxvirus.
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