Emergency Preparedness

Kern Medical Bioterrorism Response Guide Section 2-C-1 – Smallpox SMALLPOX – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) What is smallpox?

Smallpox is a virus (germ) that causes a high fever and a rash with draining lesions over the whole body. No person in the world has been diagnosed with smallpox since1977. For that reason, vaccination programs were discontinued in all countries including the U.S. in 1980. Adults vaccinated prior to 1980 have no immunity. Is smallpox spread from person-to-person? The infection is very contagious. When the infected person breathes or coughs the viral particles are forced out of the mouth into the air. A non-infected or susceptible person can get infected by inhaling (breathing) the virus into their lungs. The infection can also be spread by skin-to-skin contact with the infected person's draining lesions or by contact with contaminated items such as sheets, towels, and clothes. How will I know if I was exposed to the virus? You may have been exposed at the location where the virus was intentionally released. The further away you were from the original release site, the less likely it is that you were exposed. You could also be exposed to a person who is infected and you could catch the virus if you had close contact with that person (within 7 feet). How soon will the symptoms develop (incubation period)? The symptoms may start within 7 - 17 days after exposure. Infected persons are not infectious until the rash appears. What are the symptoms of the infection? For about 2 - 4 days after the person breathes the infected air, there will be no symptoms. After about 4 days, the infected person will begin to feel very sick with a high fever, severe tiredness, headache, backache, stomachache, and vomiting. Over the next several days, the fever may increase and the person may become confused and disoriented. As the fever begins to decrease, a rash (raised, discolored spots) may be seen on the face. The rash will then spread to the neck, arms, legs and the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. The rash will progress from fluid-filled vesicles to pus- filled pustules. Scabs will begin to form on the skin about 8 - 9 days after the onset of the rash. Smallpox is no longer infectious once all the scabs have fallen off the skin. How is the infection treated? There is no medicine such as an antibiotic to treat smallpox infection. The doctor may order medicine to control the fever and to keep the person calm (sedative). How is the infection prevented? There is a limited supply of vaccine available in the U.S. If a smallpox outbreak is confirmed the federal government will release the vaccine.

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