Variola minor virus is a viral disease caused by the Variola minor virus. The phonetic transcription of this word is /vəˈrɪ.ə.lə maɪ.nər ˈvaɪ.rəs/. The word "Variola" is pronounced as /vəˈrɪ.ə.lə/, while "minor" is pronounced as /maɪ.nər/. The pronunciation of "virus" is /ˈvaɪ.rəs/. This word is often misspelled, even by medical professionals, because of its complex spelling. However, proper spelling is important to ensure accurate communication and treatment of this disease.
Variola Minor Virus is a highly contagious and pathogenic virus belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus. It is the causative agent of a milder form of smallpox known as Variola minor, which is characterized by a less severe illness compared to Variola major.
This virus is enveloped and possesses a linear double-stranded DNA genome. It primarily infects humans, resulting in widespread outbreaks of smallpox disease. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected skin or objects containing the virus. Once the Variola Minor Virus enters the host, it invades and replicates within the upper respiratory tract before spreading to various organs and tissues.
The clinical manifestations of Variola minor infection are typically less severe than those caused by Variola major. Symptoms include fever, malaise, headache, and a rash that progresses through different stages, from macules to pustules and finally to scabs. While Variola minor can cause distressing symptoms and complications, the mortality rate associated with this strain is generally lower than Variola major.
Due to the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns, Variola minor is now considered eradicated from the natural environment, with the last known case occurring in 1977. The global eradication of Variola minor and major has been achieved through extensive vaccination efforts and surveillance programs. However, samples of the virus are still preserved in high-security laboratories as a precautionary measure.