Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Smallpox

The symptoms of smallpox first appeared in 1980, causing the death of millions of people around the world. It wasn’t until the development of the vaccine that this deadly disease was brought under control.

In this article, we explore the causes and symptoms of smallpox in both adults and children, what smallpox looks like in its early stages in children, whether it can be treated, and when the disease becomes contagious.

What is Smallpox?

Smallpox is a viral infection caused by the Variola virus, which attacks and destroys many of the body’s cells. It is characterized by small, pus-filled blisters that appear on the arms, face, and body.

Smallpox is fatal in one out of every three cases, which led the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify it as one of the deadliest human diseases.

It is important to distinguish between smallpox, caused by the Variola virus, and chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is generally mild and treatable with medication.

Smallpox Symptoms in Adults and Children

The symptoms of smallpox vary by age group and disease stage, from the moment the virus enters the body until symptoms progress. Here's what to expect in each stage:

Incubation Period

During this phase, which lasts about 7 to 19 days, the virus is in the body, but symptoms have not yet appeared. The disease is not contagious during this period.

Early Symptomatic Phase

This mildly contagious stage lasts for 2 to 3 days and includes:

1. General body pain
2. High fever
3. Chills
4. Vomiting
5. Headache

Early Rash Phase

This is the most contagious stage. A skin rash appears, starting on the face and spreading to the forearms, hands, and main parts of the body. The rash remains highly contagious until it disappears.

Pustular Rash Phase

Within two days, the rash evolves into pus-filled blisters (abscesses). These may burst and form crusts on the surface.

Scabbing Phase

The scabs gradually fall off, leaving behind scars and marks. Once all scabs have fallen, the disease is no longer contagious.

What are Causes of Smallpox?

Smallpox is caused by infection with the Variola virus, which begins to attack and destroy cells throughout the body.

It is a contagious disease that can spread through:

1. Respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking
2. Sharing personal items with an infected person (the virus can survive for up to 24 hours outside the body)
3. Direct contact with infected body fluids or rash

What are Types of Smallpox?

Smallpox is categorized into four types, which vary in severity and symptoms:

1. Ordinary Smallpox (Variola major):
2. The most common and deadliest form, responsible for over 85% of cases and about 30% of deaths.
3. Modified Smallpox (Variola minor):
4. Less severe and less fatal, accounting for less than 5% of deaths.
5. Hemorrhagic Smallpox:
6. Rare and severe, involving bleeding into the mucous membranes and usually fatal.
7. Malignant Smallpox (Flat type):
8. Also rare and fatal, with flat, soft rashes that do not form blisters or pustules.

Is Smallpox Dangerous?

Absolutely. Smallpox is considered one of the deadliest diseases in human history due to the massive number of deaths it caused.

However, it spreads slowly and is not contagious until the disease becomes severe—typically when the rash develops. This slow spread allows for early detection and vaccination of those exposed.

Key features of smallpox transmission:

1. It only becomes contagious after symptoms worsen and the rash appears, limiting spread to close contacts.
2. It does not infect animals, so there is no animal reservoir.
3. The rash is a unique and recognizable symptom, aiding in diagnosis and isolation.

What are Complications of Smallpox?

As the virus spreads in the body, it multiplies rapidly and causes severe complications, such as:

1. Pneumonia and lung damage, leading to low oxygen and breathing difficulties
2. Kidney failure
3. Hemorrhagic smallpox can cause massive internal bleeding and organ failure, possibly leading to unconsciousness
4. Vision loss if blisters spread to the eyes

What is the Treatment of Smallpox?

There is no definitive cure for smallpox. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and minimizing severity using:

1. Pain relievers
2. Fever reducers
3. Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections (if present)

What are Medications for Smallpox?

Receiving the vaccine within 1–3 days of exposure may reduce the severity of the illness. Some antiviral drugs have shown effectiveness in animal trials but have not been tested in humans:

1. Cidofovir
2. Brincidofovir
3. Tecovirimat

What are the Prevention Ways of Smallpox?

The smallpox vaccine offers effective protection but may cause serious side effects, including heart complications and, in rare cases, death.

Because the disease has been eradicated, the vaccine is currently reserved for researchers working with the virus. The WHO discourages mass vaccination due to the risks of side effects.

However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a booster shot every 3 years for those at risk of occupational exposure.

Additional precautions include:

1. Avoiding contact with infected individuals and wearing protective masks
2. Not sharing personal items
3. Frequent handwashing and avoiding touching your face after contact with surfaces
4. Getting vaccinated immediately if exposed to someone showing symptoms

Conclusion

Smallpox begins with fever and body aches and progresses to a distinctive rash made of pus-filled blisters that later scab and scar. The disease is caused by infection with the deadly Variola virus and can be prevented or its severity reduced with the vaccine.

If you still need to consult a doctor regarding this condition, you can easily book an appointment through Vezeeta