(smallpox) And (chickenpox/shingles) Flashcards
What cases smallpox virus?
Variola virus
Who gets variola? How is it spread
-Anyone who comes in contact with the virus
- Mainly by direct and prolonged face-to- face contact
When are people with small pox contagious?
When the first sore appears until the last smallpox scab fell off
What are the symptoms of small pox
Scabs and sores in the skin
What is the progression of smallpox
Incubation period- initial period- early rash phase-postular rash phase
Incubation period
-7-19 days with an average of 10-14 days
- No symptoms and not contagious
Initial period
-2-4 days
- high fever, body and headaches and possibly vomiting
- no rash and typically not contagious
Early rash phase
-sores start in mouth and throat then goes to face and downward/outward
- sores on palms and soles
-Sores fill with fluid
Postular rash
-last 10 days
-patient contagious
-14 days after rash appears most sores have scabbed over
What is the pathogenesis of variola
Virus entry and multiply in respiratory epithelium-> blood circulation primary viremia->liver, spleen-> 2nd viremia->Capillary vessel-> Dermis
How do we identify it
Modified-type smallpox
Flat-type small pox
Hemorrhagic smallpox
How do we diagnose?
-Today it is difficult since most doctors have never seen it
- Testing is available though
What are the treatments
Symptomatic care- preventing dehydration, reducing fever
Can we prevent variola?
Vaccines are available to prevent illness
History of small Pox?
- likely existed for +3,000 years
- increased trade b/w countries and crusades further spread smallpox
- in 16th century, trade and exploration brought smallpox to carribean and South America
