Smallpox
(Variola major)
The last naturally acquired case of smallpox in the
world occurred in October 1977 in Somalia.
The World Health Organization officially certified the world as
smallpox-free in 1979. Two
secure laboratories, the CDC in the US and one in Russia, are the only
known holders of the
virus.
Smallpox is spread by droplet and aerosol; it may also be spread by
direct inoculation from a
lesion to an open wound or cut in the skin. “Weaponized” smallpox
has been postulated to be
spread by aerosol. Transmission is usually limited to close contacts
such as household
members. In incubation period is from 7 to 17 days; patients are
infectious once the rash and/or
oral lesion has appeared.
Smallpox disease is distinct from other general body
rashes.
General Information
CDC
Smallpox Basics (Exit DHS)
Information for health professionals
This is a Wisconsin Disease Surveillance Category I
disease:
Report IMMEDIATELY by TELEPHONE to
the patient's local public health department upon identification of a
confirmed or suspected case. The local health department shall then notify the
state epidemiologist immediately of any confirmed or suspected cases. Submit a
case report within 24 hours submit a case report electronically through the Wisconsin Electronic
Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Acute and Communicable Disease Case
Report F44151
(PDF, 167 KB), or by other means. DHS
Communicable Disease Reporting
Wisconsin case reporting
and public health follow-up guidelines: Smallpox
EpiNet (PDF, 22 KB)
Contacts
Wisconsin
Local Health Departments - Regional offices - Tribal agencies
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Last Revised:
June 13, 2012 |
