|
||||||||
  |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Smallpox FAQs
What is smallpox? Smallpox is a serious, contagious, and sometimes fatal infectious disease. Its symptoms include fever and a distinctive skin rash. Most of people infected with smallpox recover, but death may occur in up to 30 percent of cases. Many smallpox survivors have permanent scars over large areas of their body, especially their face. Some are left blind. How can smallpox be prevented? The only way to prevent smallpox is through the smallpox vaccine, which helps the body develop immunity to the virus. Can smallpox be spread through the vaccination? No. The vaccine does not contain the smallpox virus and cannot give you smallpox. It's made from vaccinia, a virus related to smallpox. How is smallpox spread? Smallpox normally spreads from prolonged contact with infected people. Smallpox also can be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing. Smallpox is not known to be transmitted by insects or animals. Who should NOT get the vaccine? People who should avoid the vaccine include: • pregnant women and women who are breast feeding • people who have, or have had, skin conditions (especially eczema) • people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or people undergoing cancer treatment Who has been vaccinated? Most Americans under 30 haven't been vaccinated. The last smallpox case in the United States was in 1949 and routine vaccination stopped in 1972. How safe is the smallpox vaccine? Most people experience normal, usually mild reactions to the vaccine. In recent tests, one in three people felt bad enough to miss work or school or had trouble sleeping. But about 1,000 out of every 1 million people vaccinated are expected to need medical attention. One or two people out of every 1 million vaccinated may die as a result of life-threatening reactions. How many people would have to get smallpox before it is considered an outbreak? One suspected case of smallpox is considered a public health emergency. If someone is exposed to smallpox, is it too late to get a vaccination? Vaccination within three days of exposure will completely prevent or significantly modify smallpox in the vast majority of people; four to seven days after exposure will likely lessen the effects of the disease. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
