Smallpox

Smallpox is a deadly and contractible disease that can be found not only in the United States but globally. This disease is mainly found to effect children as well as young adults. It is spread widely through families and small communities. There are several causes, risk factors, symptoms and treatments available for smallpox. The following is a list of the causes symptoms and treatments of smallpox.

Causes

One of the biggest risk factors and causes of smallpox is its ability to spread from one person to another. The common cause for smallpox is for the smallpox virus to enter the body through saliva. However, this is not the only cause or way to contract smallpox. Smallpox may also come from bed sheets, clothing, carpeting and other similar areas. Individuals who work in laboratories, in areas where the smallpox virus may be emitted into the air through biological warfare and individuals who work with small children and young adults may be at a higher risk factor for the smallpox virus. In the United States, the smallpox virus is vaccinated as part of the standard vaccinations given to children and young adults. However, in other countries this is not the case. Individuals who travel regularly may find that they are more susceptible to the smallpox virus even with a vaccination. An alarming risk factor for individuals to contract the smallpox virus comes from new advances in biological and chemical warfare. Many countries have developed or are in the process of developing ways to combat the smallpox virus into the air.

Symptoms

There are several symptoms of the smallpox virus. The symptoms include backaches, delirium, diarrhea, fatigue, fevers, raise skin rashes, severe headaches and migraines, vomiting and excessive bleeding. These symptoms can manifest within 14 days after the individual has been exposed to the smallpox virus. It is important that if an individual has possibly been of exposed to the smallpox virus or if they have one or more of the symptoms lasting for more than a few days, that they contact a doctor immediately. If a doctor believes that an individual has contracted the smallpox virus they will conduct a series of tests to either eliminate or prove the smallpox virus to be in the system. These tests include a blood test panel, platelet count and a white blood cell count.

Treatments

Treatments for smallpox include the preventative treatment of vaccinations. If a person receives the smallpox vaccine can be given within one to four days after being exposed to the virus. There is no prescription medication for smallpox. Antibiotics do have some effect, however. Isolation and emergency measures are the most common treatment for the smallpox virus.