Smallpox was a dangerous infectious disease brought on by the variola virus until it was completely eradicated. It was transmissible, meaning it could infect others. Smallpox patients experienced a developing skin rash and a fever. Although vaccinations can prevent smallpox, routine immunisation is not advised because most people are unlikely to contract smallpox spontaneously. Patients who contract smallpox may benefit from treatment with novel antiviral drugs. In this article, we’ll explore the smallpox disease symptoms
What are the Symptoms of Smallpox?
The first smallpox virus symptoms typically manifest 12 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. However, the virus can remain in the body for a period ranging from 7 to 19 days before the onset of noticeable symptoms, a phase referred to as the incubation period.
During this incubation period, these variola virus symptoms can be experienced:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Profound fatigue
- Severe back pain
- Vomiting
The variola virus symptoms in the next stage are as follows:
- Flat, red spots appear on the body.
- Typically, it starts in the mouth and on the tongue.
- Spreads to the skin. The face, arms, and legs are commonly affected first. The torso, hands, and feet follow this.
The following stages then initiate
- Progression to pustules:
- The initial flat, red spots transform into small blisters containing clear fluid.
- These blisters undergo a further transformation into pustules.
- Scabbing process:
- Once the pustules reach maturity, they undergo a scabbing process.
- Scab formation involves the drying and hardening of the pus-filled pustules.
- Ultimately, the scabs that have formed on the skin start to detach.
Conclusion
Individuals must prioritise their health and seek prompt medical attention incase they develop the above-mentioned smallpox virus symptoms. If an outbreak occured, people who got vaccinated when they were children would mostly have to get a new vaccination if they were exposed to the virus. Health insurance can help cover the cost of vaccinations and medical care, ensuring timely protection during outbreaks.