Do people still get smallpox?

Smallpox is a viral infection that only infects humans. It is caused by a virus called smallpox . Today, people can no longer be naturally infected with the virus. The last known natural infection of smallpox occurred in 1977.

The only way a person can be infected with smallpox is through a criminal act. Someone would need to intentionally expose the virus to the public before infection could occur. The chances of naturally contracting the virus are nil. The chances of being exposed through some form of criminal act are also slim.

There are two places in the world where the virus is still contained for research, the Koltsovo in the Russian Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Atlanta in the United States. The virus is confined in sealed laboratories with very strict security.

Although it would naturally never happen, if a person were to come into contact with the virus, very recognizable symptoms would appear within a week to 17 days. Early symptoms would include headaches, a very high fever, and extreme fatigue. Within two or three days, a rash would begin to appear on the arms, legs, and face. The rash would progress to pus-filled lesions, which would accumulate and fall off in three to four weeks.

The early symptoms of smallpox are extremely severe. The rash is a very common sign and appears on parts of the body that are exposed. Smallpox lesions penetrate very deep into the skin and feel hard when touched. They are also very difficult to break.

Smallpox is a highly infectious disease. It is spread from person to person through the air. The most common way of infection is through the saliva of another infected person. The infectious period can last from one month to six weeks.

Smallpox can also be transmitted through the bedding of an infected person. Both clothing and bedding should be bleached to eliminate infection. Contaminated surfaces near the infected person should also be cleaned.

Smallpox cannot be contracted by traveling to foreign countries or brought into a country by visitors. The smallpox virus has now been completely eradicated. Unless someone lets the virus escape, which is unlikely, there is no chance of getting the infection.

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