Variola, also known as smallpox, is a highly contagious and serious viral infection caused by the variola virus. It is characterized by the appearance of a distinctive and painful rash on the skin, which later turns into fluid-filled blisters, resulting in scabs that eventually fall off.
Smallpox is considered a severe disease and has historically caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The virus is primarily transmitted person-to-person through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as saliva or scab material. It can also spread through close personal contact or by touching contaminated objects.
Symptoms of smallpox usually begin with high fever, headache, muscle pain, and overall malaise. Within a few days, a characteristic rash develops on the face, hands, and later spreads to the rest of the body. This rash progresses through different stages, including the formation of pustules that eventually scab over, leaving behind pitted scars.
Historically, smallpox led to significant epidemics and pandemics, causing millions of deaths worldwide. However, due to successful vaccination campaigns led by the World Health Organization, smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980, making it the first and only human disease eradicated to date.
Despite its eradication, samples of the variola virus are still kept under strict containment in laboratories for scientific research purposes, as it is considered a potential bioweapon.
