This information is provided to you regarding the threat to you and your community should there be a bioterrorist attack involving Smallpox.

Smallpox outbreaks have been eliminated since 1979. This viral disease is transmitted by breathing in the virus or coming in contact with skin sores. The most likely method used by a bioterrorist would be to spray an aerosol in the air.

Symptoms Include:

Symptoms resemble other viral illnesses like flu and may include fever, muscle aches and pains. Skin rash appears and quickly progresses from red spots to blisters. This rash is more likely to appear on the face and extremities (including palms of hands and soles of feet). The incubation period is 7-17 days.

Transmission: Person to person transmission occurs by coming in contact with the skin sores or secretions or by exposure to respiratory secretions from other persons (coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, close talking distance).

SMALLPOX BECOMES CONTAGIOUS ONCE THE RASH SHOWS UP AND REMAINS INFECTIOUS UNTIL THE SCABS FALL OFF (USUALLY ABOUT 3 WEEKS). Should you develop symptoms of fever, flu-like symptoms or a rash 7-17 days after exposure, avoid contact with others and report to a designated care site to minimize risk of exposure to others.

EXPOSURE

Removing exposed clothing is not necessary. Extreme measures of burning or boiling exposed materials in not necessary.

A vaccine is available. IF YOU HAD VACCINE AS A CHILD, YOU ARE NOT PROTECTED NOW. You do not have a lifelong immunity if you had the vaccination as a child. The vaccine alone is recommended if given within 3 days of exposure. Vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) would be given if the time span were greater than 3 days. The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, HIV and immunosuppressed persons.

If you have contracted the disease, symptoms will occur between 7-17 days. Monitor any symptoms to prevent the spread to others.

Don't panic, the local and state health departments and the federal government (CDC) will aassist you to get the necessary treatment and antitoxin available.