Report on Small Pox - Assignment Example

Small Pox Number Smallpox is caused by a virus from the genus orthopoxvirus called the variola virus.Poxviruses, which also include monkeypox and cowpox, are the largest animal viruses and can easily be observed using a light microscope (are larger than certain bacteria). The variola virus has a double stranded DNA. Smallpox only infects human beings and has no insect or animal vectors. In addition, the virus has no carrier state in which an infected person shows no symptoms. The virus is transmitted from one person to another person and is acquired via inhalation/ breathing.

Smallpox can be transmitted as a biological (terrorist) weapon and through contaminated items also since the virus can remain on cloths, surfaces and bedding for over 7 days (Baker & Nicklin, 2011). According to Baker and Nick (2011), the viral infection begins in the lungs from which it moves to the bloodstream, and the finally to the brain, kidneys, intestines, skin, and other body parts. The activity of the virus in the cells of the skin results in rashes that then form flat, red lesions called macules which also metamorphose into raised blisters (vesicles).

Approximately 2-3 weeks after infection, pimples which are filled with pus (pustules) begin to appear. There are four varieties of the variola virus. Classic variola (smallpox) is the most communicable and infects over 30% of those who encounter it. Hemorrhagic variola kills faster and at a higher rate than its classic counterpart, with infected persons (commonly pregnant women) dying even before the formation of pustules. Malignant/ flat variola has a death rate closing in on the 100%, evolves slower than classic forms and is characterized by flat lesions.

Modified variola, on the other hand, affects those who have undergone immunization, occurring as a result of response of the immune system. Generally, variola major (smallpox) has 30% death rate while alastrim (variola minor)’s death rate is 1% since it is milder (Baker & Nicklin, 2011). The pioneer signs of smallpox appear 12-14 days following infection. During the period of incubation (7-17 days following infection), an infected individual appears healthy and cannot infect others. However, after the incubation period, flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, extreme back pain, severe fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and general discomfort are characteristic indicators of smallpox.

After a few days, red flat spots surface on the individual’s forearms, hands, face and on the trunk. In 24 or 48 hours, these lesions become small clear fluid filled blisters which become pus. Scabs then form but later fall off developing deep pitted scars. Lesions also appear on the nose and mouth’s mucus membranes which become sore and break open. In some cases, smallpox can cause blindness. Prompt vaccination following infection diminishes the extent of symptoms. Although studies indicate that the antiviral drug, cidofovir, can be used as a therapeutic treatment, no definite cure exists.

Treatment delves on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. These include fluid therapy, infection control and wound management. In case of secondary infections, such as of the lungs and skin, antibiotics can come in handy (Gerdes, 2008). Smallpox ravaged the world for centuries before it was finally wiped out using vaccines, when Edward Jenner discovered the act of vaccination in 1793. His successful experiments led to the creation of smallpox vaccines which resulted in the eradication of the fatal plague in 1977 through mass vaccinations.

Smallpox was reportedly used as a biological weapon in many areas of the world such as when the Europeans allegedly deliberately infected the American natives with the virus in order to weaken them during the resistance. Since 1977, only two smallpox deaths have occurred in 1978, in England, following a laboratory accident (Gerdes, 2008). Egyptian mummies have provided evidence of smallpox infection in past ages. Currently, only the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States and the State Research Center of Virology in Russia are known to be in possession of the deadly virus.

ReferencesBaker, S., & Nicklin, J. (2011). Microbiology (4th ed.). New York: Garland Science.Gerdes, L. (2008). Medicine. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.