Is there a proven treatment for smallpox?
No. In the event of an outbreak, the best we could do would be to prevent others from becoming infected. This would be accomplished by isolating individuals with smallpox and giving the vaccine to contacts of those infected. Isolation is generally an effective strategy for this disease since it is contagious only when the rash is present. Vaccination of close contacts as early as possible but as late as four days after exposure may prevent or lessen the severity of illness. Conclusion Remember that anthrax and smallpox are only two of many agents that could be used in a bioterrorist attack. It is impossible to completely protect yourself from every possible attack. The CDC has classified a number of infectious diseases as “Category A,” or “high-priority” agents that, when in the wrong hands, could pose a risk to national security. These are: anthrax, smallpox, botulism, plague, tularemia and viral hemorrhagic fever. But the most prudent course of action right now is to keep abreast of
