Could smallpox be used as a biological weapon?

Could smallpox be used as a biological weapon?

As outlined in the historical review of biological warfare (1), smallpox is one of the most devastating diseases that could potentially be used as a biological weapon. In fact, smallpox was for many centuries devastating to mankind.

Was there a smallpox pandemic?

The Franco-Prussian War triggered a smallpox pandemic of 1870–1875 that claimed 500,000 lives; while vaccination was mandatory in the Prussian army, many French soldiers were not vaccinated. Smallpox outbreaks among French prisoners of war spread to the German civilian population and other parts of Europe.

Why is smallpox considered a high priority bioterrorist agent?

Smallpox, because of its high case-fatality rates and transmissibility, now represents one of the most serious bioterrorist threats to the civilian population. Smallpox is considered a category A biological disease.

Was smallpox ever used as military weapons?

Smallpox was also used as a biological weapon during the French and Indian Wars (1754–1767) by the commander of Fort Pitt. Soldiers distributed blankets that had been used by smallpox patients with the intent of initiating outbreaks among American Indians.

Is smallpox vaccine still given today?

The smallpox vaccine was discontinued for routine use in the United States in 1972. So, most people in this country younger than 50 years of age have never been vaccinated against smallpox.

What category does smallpox fall into?

Is smallpox a threat today?

The last natural outbreak of smallpox in the United States happened in 1949. The last naturally spread case in the entire world happened in 1977. The World Health Assembly declared smallpox eradicated in 1980. Even a single confirmed case of smallpox today would be considered an emergency.

How was smallpox used as biological warfare?

Smallpox was also used as a biological weapon during the French and Indian Wars (1754–1767) by the commander of Fort Pitt. Soldiers distributed blankets that had been used by smallpox patients with the intent of initiating outbreaks among American Indians. An epidemic occurred, killing more than 50% of infected tribes.

Why is smallpox called smallpox?

Smallpox is an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus. It gets its name from the Latin word for “spotted,” referring to the raised, pustular bumps that break out over the face and body of those affected.

Who was the last smallpox victim?

Janet Parker was the last person to die of smallpox. In 1978, Parker was a medical photographer at England’s Birmingham University Medical School. She worked one floor above the Medical Microbiology Department where staff and students conducted smallpox research.

Is smallpox a virus or disease?

Before smallpox was eradicated, it was a serious infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It was contagious—meaning, it spread from one person to another. People who had smallpox had a fever and a distinctive, progressive skin rash.

How is smallpox a bioterrorism threat?

What year did they stop giving smallpox vaccine?

It was successfully used to eradicate smallpox from the human population. Routine vaccination of the American public against smallpox stopped in 1972 after the disease was eradicated in the United States.

Does the smallpox vaccine last a lifetime?

Length of Protection Smallpox vaccination provides full immunity for 3 to 5 years and decreasing immunity thereafter. If a person is vaccinated again later, immunity lasts even longer. Historically, the vaccine has been effective in preventing smallpox infection in 95% of those vaccinated.