Smallpox
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Smallpox is a serious and contagious disease caused by the variola virus. It was once one of the deadliest diseases in the world, killing millions of people throughout history. However, thanks to a global vaccination campaign, smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Transmission
Smallpox spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects and via respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interaction.
There are no natural cases of smallpox today, but samples of the virus are kept in secure laboratories for research purposes. Because of bioterrorism concerns, smallpox remains a disease of interest for public health preparedness.
Symptoms
- •High fever
- •Fatigue
- •Severe headache
- •Back pain
- •Vomiting
- •Rash that starts on the face and spreads to the limbs
- •Raised bumps that become pus-filled blisters, then scab over and fall off
Diagnosis
Because smallpox no longer occurs naturally, any suspected case would be treated as a public health emergency. Diagnosis would be confirmed through laboratory testing, including virus isolation and molecular testing (PCR).
Treatment
There is no definitive cure for smallpox. Supportive care can help manage symptoms. Antiviral medications such as tecovirimat (TPOXX) and brincidofovir have been approved for use in the event of an outbreak.
Prevention
Vaccination is the most effective prevention. Routine vaccination ended after eradication, but smallpox vaccine stocks remain for use in certain groups (e.g., laboratory workers, military) and would be deployed using strategies such as ring vaccination during an outbreak.
Sources
- Written by Love Hurts, Inc.
- Medically Reviewed by Kecia Gaither, MD. on November 1, 2025
- CDC: "Smallpox – CDC Fact Sheet"
- WHO: "Smallpox"
- Mayo Clinic: "Smallpox Overview"
- WebMD: "What Is Smallpox?"
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