The development of vaccines has stimulated a decline in the incidence of many infectious diseases and their associated high mortality rates. Diseases that once threatened large populations are now controlled through the implementation of effective vaccination programs. Variola or smallpox, one of these diseases, was once a major health concern with a high mortality rate. Through a global vaccination effort, the disease is now considered irradiated, however, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, there are new concerns about the possible use of the Variola virus as a bioterrorism weapon. This paper will review the history of smallpox, etiology of the disease and nursing considerations should a new outbreak occur. Smallpox
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Smallpox is listed as a Category A agent on the CDC’s list of bioterrorism agent. The physician and nurse who diagnose a patient with the signs and symptoms is the first line of defense in the event of a bioterrorism attack or outbreak (Berkowitz, 2002, p3). They must recognize signs of the disease and differentiate them from other diseases such as chicken pox and collect proper specimens for culture. Patients suspected of having smallpox should be immediately be isolated in a room with proper air handling equipment: negative pressure and HEPA filtration (Williams, 2015, p255). Airborne precaution should be implemented which include the use of an N95 mask, gowns and gloves. Additional steps to prevent the spread of the disease includes autoclaving waste and laundry as well as proper decontamination of contaminated surfaces. Nursing must be trained in local policy for treating patients and disasters such as a bioterrorism attack. Nurses must also be trained on reporting requirements for disease such as
Smallpox is listed as a Category A agent on the CDC’s list of bioterrorism agent. The physician and nurse who diagnose a patient with the signs and symptoms is the first line of defense in the event of a bioterrorism attack or outbreak (Berkowitz, 2002, p3). They must recognize signs of the disease and differentiate them from other diseases such as chicken pox and collect proper specimens for culture. Patients suspected of having smallpox should be immediately be isolated in a room with proper air handling equipment: negative pressure and HEPA filtration (Williams, 2015, p255). Airborne precaution should be implemented which include the use of an N95 mask, gowns and gloves. Additional steps to prevent the spread of the disease includes autoclaving waste and laundry as well as proper decontamination of contaminated surfaces. Nursing must be trained in local policy for treating patients and disasters such as a bioterrorism attack. Nurses must also be trained on reporting requirements for disease such as