What was the cause of Smallpox?
Smallpox was caused by the Variola virus that suddenly appeared in human populations thousands of years ago, as related above, just like the SARS coronavirus of today. The Variola virus has been eliminated around the globe except for some laboratory stockpiles. In view of terrorism around the globe, there is today a heightened concern that the Variola virus might be used as an agent of bioterrorism. Hence, the U.S. government is maintaining its vigilance and is taking precautionary measures for dealing with a potential smallpox outbreak. What is the incubation period? After exposure to the virus, the person may not have symptoms and may feel well, until the incubation period, which averages about 13 days, but ranges from 7 to 17 days. During this period, the patient is still not contagious until the prodrome sets in. The symptoms listed above then show up after the incubation period. Mortality rate of smallpox: about 30%. How is smallpox transmitted? The mode of transmission is by dire
