Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, is a deadly disease with symptoms including fever and raised pustules on the skin. It was eradicated through a successful vaccination campaign, but some samples are kept in laboratories. The disease has two forms, variola major and variola minor, with variola major having a mortality rate of about 30%. […]
Smallpox parties are gatherings where children are intentionally infected with chickenpox to build up immunity. This is done because some parents believe the vaccine is unsafe, but medical professionals disagree. Chickenpox can have serious side effects and lead to complications later in life. A smallpox party is a gathering organized by parents or caregivers to […]
Smallpox is a viral infection that only affects humans and has been eradicated. The virus is contained in two research locations, and the only way to contract it is through intentional exposure. Symptoms include a rash and fever, and the disease is highly contagious through the air and saliva. Smallpox is a viral infection that […]
Smallpox was eradicated in 1979, but live virus samples are still kept in labs for research purposes. Some scientists worry about the safety of these samples and the possibility of bioterrorism. Countries have checked their vaccine stockpiles and companies keep virus samples for vaccine production. Smallpox is an acute, infectious virus that has historically devastated […]
