### Smallpox: Key Facts Smallpox is a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It was highly contagious and spread from person to person. People with smallpox experienced flu-like symptoms and a rash that developed into pus-filled blisters. The disease was deadly, killing about 30% of those infected. Smallpox has been around for at least 3,000 years, with evidence found on Egyptian mummies. The disease spread through civilization, trade, and exploration. ### Symptoms and Spread After exposure, symptoms appeared in 10-12 days. Early signs included high fever, weakness, vomiting, and body aches. A red rash would then spread across the body, forming blisters. The virus was most contagious during the first week of the rash. ### Eradication and Vaccination The smallpox vaccine, developed by Edward Jenner in 1796, used the less harmful cowpox virus to protect against smallpox. Widespread immunization efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) led to the eradication of smallpox in 1980. Routine vaccinations stopped in the U.S. in 1972 and in all WHO member countries by 1986. ### Current Status Today, smallpox exists only in controlled laboratory settings in the U.S. and Russia for research purposes. In case of an outbreak, antiviral drugs like tecovirimat and brincidofovir are available for treatment. The smallpox vaccine is stockpiled for emergency use. ### Differences from Other Diseases Smallpox is different from chickenpox and mpox (monkeypox). While all cause skin blisters, smallpox was far more deadly. Mpox is related to smallpox but is milder and less deadly. ### Conclusion Smallpox was a devastating disease that killed millions but was eradicated through global vaccination efforts. The virus is now kept only for research, and vaccines and treatments are available in case of an emergency.