An acute and highly contagious illness, smallpox is caused by the Variola virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family. It was one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity and caused millions of deaths before being successfully eradicated. The smallpox virus is believed to have originated more than 3,000 years ago, either in India or Egypt. Widespread smallpox epidemics and the associated death tolls fill the pages of history books.
Smallpox is transmitted between people when infected aerosols and air droplets spread in face-to-face contact with an infected person. Thankfully, this dreaded illness is treatable today. Let’s continue reading to have a fair understanding of smallpox and how it is treated.
What is smallpox?
Smallpox is a potentially deadly disease. The variola virus causes smallpox, which manifests in two forms: Variola major, the more severe and lethal form, and Variola minor, the milder version. The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated objects, making it easily transferable. Smallpox has been a relentless adversary, wreaking havoc across continents and shaping the course of history. Its impact extends beyond individual health. It has caused widespread outbreaks and pandemics throughout history, influencing events globally. The severity of smallpox outbreaks has affected populations, leading to societal disruptions, economic challenges, and changes in the geopolitical landscape.
Symptoms of Smallpox
Smallpox causes different symptoms depending on the phase of the illness. Phases and associated smallpox symptoms include —
- Incubation period: Historical accounts show that when someone contracted the smallpox virus, they exhibited no symptoms for 7 to 19 days. The virus was not contagious during the incubation period.
- Early symptoms: Once the incubation period is over, the following flu-like symptoms occur
- High Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Bodyache
- Vomiting
These symptoms last for 2 to 3 days. The virus is highly contagious during this time.
- Early rash: Just as the patient starts to feel better, a rash will appear. It begins on the face and eventually spreads to the hands, forearms, and all over the body. The virus will remain contagious until the rash disappears.
- Pustular rash: This rash develops into bumps filled with pus (abscesses) within two days of appearing. The pustules break open and scab over.
- Scabs: The scabs eventually fall off, leaving scars like pit marks. The virus remains contagious until all the scabs fall off.
Smallpox Vaccines
Smallpox vaccines have played a pivotal role in safeguarding global health by preventing the spread of the Variola virus. Developed through a groundbreaking discovery by Edward Jenner in 1796, the vaccine involves using a closely related virus, Vaccinia, to stimulate immunity against smallpox.
This preventive measure is administered through smallpox vaccination and has been crucial in eliminating the virus’s natural transmission trajectory. The success of vaccination campaigns and international collaboration ultimately led the World Health Organization to declare the eradication of smallpox in 1980. People no longer receive routine smallpox vaccinations.
While most people experience only mild side effects, the smallpox vaccine can have potentially fatal side effects; hence, only individuals at high risk of exposure get vaccinated. The vaccine is known for causing a tell-tale scar. Those vulnerable to developing severe reactions can include individuals with:
- Weakened immune systems
- Chronic skin conditions, such as eczema
Types of Smallpox
There are four smallpox variations, and they comprise —
- Variola minor: This is a common but less fatal type of smallpox. A 2021 review of research estimates that less than 5% of those infected have died.
- Variola major: This is a more common and deadly type of smallpox. The same review estimates that 30% of cases were fatal.
- Haemorrhagic smallpox: This is a rare and deadly type of smallpox that causes organs to leak blood into the mucous membranes and skin.
- Malignant smallpox: This is a rare and deadly type of smallpox whereby smallpox lesions do not develop pus-filled bumps on the skin. Instead, they remain soft and flat throughout the entire period of illness.
Transmission of Smallpox
The smallpox virus is contagious from when symptoms develop until all the scabs fall off. It can spread through direct and relatively prolonged face-to-face contact with infected persons. The most common ways it spreads are through:
- Contact with bodily fluids of an infected person
- Saliva droplets when an infected person coughs/sneezes
- Sharing bedding or clothing with a diseased person
Treatment of Smallpox
Antiviral treatment may reduce the symptoms and severity, but there is no definitive cure for the smallpox virus. The treatment options can include:
- Tecovirimat, an FDA-approved treatment
- Cidofovir, which has approval for use during an outbreak
- Brincidofovir, an FDA-approved treatment
In the unlikely event of exposure to the smallpox virus, vaccination within 1-3 days can prevent the illness from assuming severe proportions. Furthermore, antibiotics may help reduce the bacterial infections associated with the virus.
Conclusion
The eventful journey through the history of smallpox teaches us about the challenges, triumphs, and the power of solutions in the form of vaccines. Even as we celebrate mankind’s victory over smallpox, we are reminded that health is precious. Hence, health insurance is essential today; it helps protect if severe ailments challenge us. So, let’s remember to take care of our health and consider having health insurance to ensure we're adequately covered if we need medical assistance.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.