The Pros And Cons Of Smallpox Vaccine

Smallpox is a contagious disease that is often fatal. It is caused by the variola virus. Smallpox produces a fever and easily identifiable rash. In 1980, smallpox was declared an eradicated disease following a very successful vaccination program. However, after September 2001, the United States governments took steps to be prepared with a bioterrorism attack using smallpox as a weapon of mass destruction. As a result of this effort, there is a national response plan to be able to vaccinate citizens to keep an outbreak contained. The plan involves a smallpox health care team that is designed to respond to any emergency and to ensure the vaccination of all team members. There exists enough vaccine to cover everyone that would require it …show more content…
It is the also the only disease ever completely eradicated by vaccine. When smallpox was evident in the general population, thirty percent of cases ended in fatality. Death usually occurred in the second week of infection. The majority of survivors incurred some degree of permanent skin scarring. Other deformities that survivors incurred included loss of facial tissue such as lip, nose or ear. Corneal scarring sometimes occurred, as well, leading to blindness.
Some estimates put deaths in the twentieth century from small pox at approximately three hundred to five hundred million. In the early 1950’s, it is estimated that fifty million cases of small pox occurred each year through out the world. The World Health Organization estimated that as recently as 1967 as many as fifteen million people were affected by this disease. The World Health Organization verified the eradication of this disease in the twentieth century. The last known case in the world was in Somolia in 1977. The last United States case of smallpox was noted to be in …show more content…
Most of the scabs will be falling off after three weeks from the initial rash
The patient continues to be contagious until all scabs have sloughed off
Scabs Resolved Phase
• Not contagious All scabs have fallen off by this phase and the patient is no longer contagious
This disease may be contagious during the prodromal phase, but is at its most infectious during the initial seven to ten days following the initial rash outbreak

References
The Great Smallpox Epidemic. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2014, from http://www.historytoday.com/elizabeth-fenn/great-smallpox-epidemic
What You Should Know About a Smallpox Outbreak. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2014, from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/basics/outbreak.asp

References
The Great Smallpox Epidemic. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2014, from http://www.historytoday.com/elizabeth-fenn/great-smallpox-epidemic
What You Should Know About a Smallpox Outbreak. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2014, from