disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

controlled laboratories in the U.S. and Russia. These secured laboratories
still have the virus in quantities for research purposes, but it is very possible
some vials have gotten or could get into the hands of terrorist groups.
Smallpox disease killed over 300 million people in the 20th century and
experts say it is the most dangerous infectious disease ever. There is no cure
for smallpox and most patients infected with the disease recover, but death
may occur in as many as 3 of every 10 persons infected.
How it spreads: Smallpox is primarily spread person to person through
droplets that are inhaled but usually requires close contact. It can also be
spread by infected bodily fluids (especially fluid from bumps) or from bed
linens or clothing from an infected person. It is very rare but the virus could
carry in the air of an enclosed area like a train or building. Smallpox only
infects humans and is not known to be transmitted by insects or animals.
Someone carrying the virus may not even know they have it since it lies
dormant (incubation period) for up to 17 days. A person with smallpox is
most contagious from the time the rash starts until the last scab falls off
(usually about 1 month). Anyone face-to-face with an infected person
(within 6 - 7 feet / 2 meters) will most likely get the virus by inhaling
droplets or dried fluids or by touching infected materials.
Signs & Symptoms: According to the CDC, exposure to the smallpox
virus has an incubation period of 7 to 17 days (average is 12 to 14 days)
where people feel fine, show no symptoms and are not contagious, then...
• Prodrome phase - first symptoms of smallpox include
fever, weird or uneasy feeling (malaise), head and body
aches, and sometimes puking. Fever may be high
(between 101F-104F or 38C-40C) -- may be contagious.
Phase can last 2 - 4 days.
• Spotty mouth - small red spots appear on the tongue and
in the mouth (this is start of the “early rash phase”)
• Spots become sores - spots turn into sores that break open
and spread large amounts of the virus into the mouth and
throat -- person is VERY contagious at this point!
• Rash - as sores in mouth break down, a rash starts on the
face and spreads to arms and legs, then hands and feet --
usually takes about 24 hours to cover body. As the rash
appears, fever drops, and person may feel a little better.
• Raised bumps - by third day, rash turns into raised bumps
• Bumps fill up - by fourth day, bumps fill with a thick, clear
fluid -- each bump has a dent in center (like a bellybutton)
• Bumps become pustules - fever returns and bumps
become pustules (which is a raised bump, usually round,
www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325
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