MedicineNet.com

Smallpox Q & A

Fat-Fighting Foods Take the Quiz: The Human Body Causes of Fatigue Slideshow Pictures

• What should I know about smallpox?
• Are we expecting a smallpox attack?
• Is there an immediate smallpox threat?
• If I am concerned about a smallpox attack, can I go to my doctor and request the smallpox vaccine?
• Are there plans to manufacture more vaccine in case of a bioterrorism attack using smallpox?
• If someone comes in contact with smallpox, how long does it take to show symptoms?
• Is smallpox fatal?
• How is smallpox spread?
• If someone is exposed to smallpox, is it too late to get a vaccination?
• If people got the vaccination in the past when it was used routinely, will they be immune?
• How many people have not had the vaccination?
• Is it possible for people to get smallpox from the vaccination?
• How safe is the smallpox vaccine, and are there any individuals who should NOT receive the vaccine?
• Is there any treatment for smallpox?
• Is there a test to indicate if smallpox is in the environment like there is for anthrax?
• If smallpox is discovered or released in a building, or if a person develops symptoms in a building, how can that area be decontaminated?
• What should people do if they suspect a patient has smallpox or suspect that smallpox has been released in their area?
• How can we stop the spread of smallpox after someone comes down with it?

What should I know about Smallpox?

Vaccination is not recommended, and the vaccine is not available to health providers or the public. In the absence of a confirmed case of smallpox anywhere in the world, there is no need to be vaccinated against smallpox. There also can be severe side effects to the smallpox vaccine, which is another reason we do not recommend vaccination. In the event of an outbreak, the CDC has clear guidelines to swiftly provide vaccine to people exposed to this disease. The vaccine is securely stored for use in the case of an outbreak. In addition, Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson recently announced plans to accelerate production of a new smallpox vaccine.

Are we expecting a smallpox attack?

We are not expecting a smallpox attack, but the recent events that include the use of biological agents as weapons have heightened our awareness of the possibility of such an attack.

Is there an immediate smallpox threat?

At this time we have no information that suggests an imminent smallpox threat.

If I am concerned about a smallpox attack, can I go to my doctor and request the smallpox vaccine?

The last naturally acquired case of smallpox occurred in 1977. The last cases of smallpox, from laboratory exposure, occurred in 1978. In the United States, routine vaccination against smallpox ended in 1972. Since the vaccine is no longer recommended, the vaccine is not available. The CDC maintains an emergency supply of vaccine that can be released if necessary, since post-exposure vaccination is effective.

Are there plans to manufacture more vaccine in case of a bioterrorism attack using smallpox?

Yes. In 2000, CDC awarded a contract to a vaccine manufacturer to produce additional doses of smallpox vaccine.