Smallpox

**Definition:** A disease caused by an infection with variola virus. This disease is characterised by a maculopapular rash that progresses to vesicles (commonly on the face, arms, and legs), and fever. Transmission is by direct contact. Confirmation is by identification of the variola virus in a skin sample of the rash.

In 1980 the 33rd World Health Assembly declared that smallpox had been eradicated. The classification is maintained for surveillance purposes.

**Long definition:** Smallpox is an infectious disease unique to humans, caused by either of two virus variant, Variola major and Variola minor. This disease is localized in small blood vessels of the skin, in the mouth and throat. In the skin, this results in a characteristic maculopapular rash, and later, raised fluid-filled blisters

**Inclusions:** - Variola