Disease or Syndrome
smallpox
small·pox [ smawl-poks ]
Subclass of:
Poxviridae Infections
Etymology:
Anglo-Saxon pocc = pustule
Also called:
Variola
Definitions related to smallpox:
-
A condition that is caused by infection with Variola, and that is characterized by small, raised bumps.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
An acute, highly contagious, often fatal infectious disease caused by an orthopoxvirus characterized by a biphasic febrile course and distinctive progressive skin eruptions. Vaccination has succeeded in eradicating smallpox worldwide. (Dorland, 28th ed)NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
An infection that is caused by one of two viruses: Variola major or Variola minor, both of which are transmitted via inhalation of droplets. A vaccine was developed, and smallpox was declared eradicated by the WHO in 1979.NICHD Pediatric TerminologyU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
Smallpox is a disease caused by the Variola major virus. Some experts say that over the centuries it has killed more people than all other infectious diseases combined. Worldwide immunization stopped the spread of smallpox three decades ago. The last case was reported in 1977. Two research labs still keep small amounts of the virus. Experts fear bioterrorists could use the virus to spread disease. Smallpox spreads very easily from person to person. Symptoms are flu-like. They include High fever; Fatigue; Headache; Backache; A rash with flat red sores. There is no treatment. Fluids and medicines for pain or fever can help control symptoms. Most people recover, but some can die. Those who do recover may have severe scars. The U.S. stopped routine smallpox vaccinations in 1972. Military and other high-risk groups continue to get the vaccine. The U.S. has increased its supply of the vaccine in recent years. The vaccine makes some people sick, so doctors save it for those at highest risk of disease.MedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
Smallpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the smallpox virus, an orthopoxvirus. It causes death in up to 30%. Natural infection has been eradicated. The main concern for outbreaks is from bioterrorism. Severe constitutional symptoms and a characteristic pustular rash develop. Treatment is generally supportive and potentially with...Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
-
Smallpox is an acute, contagious disease caused by the variola virus, a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus, in the Poxviridae family (see the image below). Virologists have speculated that it evolved from an African rodent poxvirus 10 millennia ago.WebMD, 2019
-
Smallpox is a contagious, disfiguring and often deadly disease that has affected humans for thousands of years. Naturally occurring smallpox was wiped out worldwide by 1980 - the result of an unprecedented global immunization campaign.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
-
Smallpox, acute infectious disease that begins with a high fever, headache, and back pain and then proceeds to an eruption on the skin that leaves the face and limbs covered with cratered pockmarks, or pox. For centuries smallpox was one of the world's most-dreaded plagues, killing as many as 30...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> S
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.