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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Smallpox is a viral infection caused by the Variola virus (an Orthopoxvirus) that can affect people of all ages. Smallpox is contagious and has a 30% fatality rate. The infection manifests with a fever, which precedes the development of a progressive rash that occurs all over the body starting in the mouth and on the face. The rash appears as firm, fluid-filled, and singularly dimpled bumps that eventually become crusty and then form scabs. The rash can persist for several weeks and leaves pitted scars when the scabs fall off. There is no known treatment for smallpox.

Millions of people died during widespread smallpox epidemics in the past. Fortunately, smallpox was eradicated as a naturally occurring disease in 1980 after a successful worldwide vaccination program. There have been no cases in the United States since 1972. Most persons born before 1971 were vaccinated once against smallpox. Currently there are . . . [Full Text of this Article]

DIAGNOSIS

Carolyn J. Hildreth, MD, Writer; Alison E. Burke, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor

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