What are the symptoms of smallpox infection?
Symptoms of smallpox infection usually appear within 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus. The first symptoms of smallpox may be difficult to distinguish from other flu-like illnesses and include * High fever * Fatigue * Malaise * Headache * Backache Rash A characteristic rash, most prominent on the face, arms, and legs, follows 2 to 3 days after the first symptoms. The rash starts with flat red lesions (sores) that develop at the same rate. After a few days, the lesions become filled with pus. They begin to crust early in the second week. Scabs develop and then separate and fall off after about 3 weeks. Treatment There is no proven treatment for smallpox. People with the disease can benefit from intravenous fluids and medicine to control fever or pain as well as antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections that may occur. If an infected person gets the smallpox vaccine within 4 days after exposure to the virus, it may lessen the severity of illness or even prevent it. The m
