Variola Minor is a viral disease caused by the Variola virus, which causes a milder form of smallpox. The spelling of Variola Minor is pronounced as 'vəˈriːələ maɪnə(r)'. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word clearly shows the way this word is pronounced. This word consists of two words, Variola and Minor, where 'Var-i-o-la' is pronounced as vəˈriːələ and 'Minor' is pronounced as maɪnə(r). The proper spelling of this word is important in the medical field to ensure that the disease is diagnosed and treated accurately.
Variola Minor, also known as alastrim, is a viral disease caused by the variola virus that belongs to the Poxviridae family. It is classified as a less severe form of smallpox compared to Variola Major. Variola Minor typically presents with milder symptoms, a lower case fatality rate, and fewer complications.
The disease is characterized by the appearance of a high fever, severe headache, and fatigue, followed by the occurrence of distinctive rash formations on the skin. These rashes first appear as macules, which are flat red spots, and then progress into papules that become filled with fluid. Eventually, the vesicles form a crust. The rash typically starts on the face, arms, and legs, and spreads to other parts of the body.
The transmission of Variola Minor commonly occurs through close, prolonged face-to-face contact with an infected individual. It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated objects. Vaccination with the smallpox vaccine provides a high degree of immunity against Variola Minor.
Although Variola Minor is less severe, it can still result in complications such as secondary bacterial infections, scarring, and in rare cases, blindness. Prompt medical attention and supportive care are crucial for managing the symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. Variola Minor has been eradicated worldwide, with the last known natural case reported in 1977.
The term "Variola Minor" comes from Latin origins.
"Variola" is Latin for "pox" or "blemish" and is derived from the Latin word "varius", meaning "spotted" or "variegated". It was used to describe the distinctive rash or blemishes that appear on the skin in individuals affected by smallpox, which is caused by the Variola virus.
"Minor" is also derived from Latin, meaning "lesser" or "smaller". In the context of smallpox, "Variola Minor" refers to the milder form of the disease in comparison to "Variola Major", which denotes the severe and potentially deadly form of smallpox.