VARIOLAS Meaning and
Definition
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Variolas is the plural form of the noun variola, which refers to a highly contagious and often fatal disease caused by the variola virus. Variolas is usually synonymous with smallpox, a severe viral infection characterized by the development of a rash and pustules on the skin. The disease is unique to humans and has plagued humanity for centuries, with outbreaks occurring worldwide.
Smallpox caused significant mortality and morbidity throughout history, with an estimated death toll of hundreds of millions. However, due to widespread vaccination efforts, smallpox was officially declared eradicated in 1980, becoming the first disease to be eliminated by human efforts.
The variola virus is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals. Initial symptoms of smallpox include high fever, fatigue, and headache. After a couple of days, a distinctive rash appears on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. The rash progresses from red spots to raised bumps filled with fluid, which eventually form pustules. These pustules scab over and later fall off, leaving permanent scars.
Due to the highly infectious nature of smallpox, strict infection control measures and isolation of affected individuals were crucial in preventing its spread. Nowadays, although smallpox no longer exists in nature, controlled samples of the virus are kept in research laboratories for scientific purposes. However, the risk of accidental release or purposeful misuse of the virus remains a significant concern.
Common Misspellings for VARIOLAS
Etymology of VARIOLAS
The word Variolas is derived from the Latin term variola, meaning pustule, smallpox, or spotted disease. The Latin word itself is derived from the Latin adjective varius, meaning varied or variegated, representing the characteristic appearance of the smallpox pustules on the skin. Therefore, Variolas is the plural form of Variola.
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