What is smallpox?

Smallpox is a serious and contagious disease caused by the variola virus (an orthopox virus). Smallpox can be fatal. There is no specific treatment for the disease and the only prevention is through vaccination.

Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 after a worldwide vaccination program. The last naturally occurring case was in 1977 in Somalia. Routine smallpox vaccinations stopped in 1972.

Smallpox only exists at two World Health Organization reference labs: one at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, and one at the Vector Institute in the former Soviet Union.

Why should I be concerned about small pox?

It is known that the former Soviet Union produced the smallpox virus in large quantities for use as a biological weapon. As a result of the political, social, and economic changes in the former Soviet Union, we cannot be sure if other countries or terrorist groups have stock of the smallpox virus. Due to the focus on safeguarding the world from Bioterrorism, it is important for the public to be aware of and be prepared for a possible smallpox occurrence.

Therefore, smallpox response is a top priority within the Public Health community.

How do I get smallpox?

Smallpox is generally spread by direct and prolonged face-to-face contact with an infected person(s). It can also be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing. Rarely, smallpox has been spread by virus carried in the air in enclosed settings such as buildings or on public transportation.

What are the symptoms of smallpox?

Initial symptoms are fever, malaise (feeling depressed, tired), head and body aches, nausea and vomiting. After a few days, a rash will form in the mouth and spread to other parts of the body creating bumps, pustules and eventually scabs.

A week after symptoms begin occurring is when smallpox is the most contagious, however, a person is still contagious until all scabs have fallen off.

Smallpox vaccine

The vaccine is made from a virus called vaccinia which is another “pox-type” virus.
It is impossible to get smallpox from the vaccine.
In most cases, a dose of the vaccine will provide protection for 3 to 5 years.
Those who received the vaccine prior to 1980 have little or no immunity today.
The vaccinia virus is a live virus. It can be spread to other parts of the body or to other people if the vaccination site is not cared for appropriately.
Vaccinia can be spread by touching the vaccination site before it is healed or by touching clothing or bandaging that has been infected with vaccinia and then touching parts of your body or another’s body.
Although the vaccine is safe and effective for most people, it can cause mild to severe side effects.
Effective treatments are available for vaccine side effects.
The vaccine is NOT recommended for people who *

Have eczema or atopic dermatitis
Have a weakened immune system
Have a moderate or severe short-term illness
Are pregnant or have plans to become pregnant within one month of the vaccination
Have other skin conditions (check with your physician)
Are breastfeeding

*Above criteria are for vaccinations given prior to a smallpox occurrence.

NJ State and Federal Government Smallpox Vaccination Plans

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working with states to develop smallpox response teams. There are three phases to the Smallpox Vaccination Program developed by state and federal governments.

Phase I: Hospital health care workers and public health professionals will be vaccinated between January and March of 2003.

Phase II: First Responders (Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services) will be vaccinated in the late spring/early summer of 2003.

Phase III: Vaccination may be available to the general public in 2004. Currently, vaccination of the general public is not available or recommended.

Camden County Smallpox Vaccination Plans

The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services is working with other community entities, resources and officials to determine an effective community response if there is a smallpox event. Currently, there are two phases of Camden County’s response plan.

Phase I: Prior to a smallpox occurrence, in line with Phase I of the State and Federal Government Plan. Multiple trainings are also taking place to ensure that volunteers are prepared to respond appropriately if there is an occurrence of smallpox.

Phase II: Vaccination following a smallpox occurrence: The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services will designate specific facilities which will serve as primary locations for public vaccination. It is critical that the public adhere to the instructions given at the time of an event to ensure an efficient and effective vaccination process.

In times of emergency how will the information get to me?

The Department’s Public Outreach Coordinator and the Response Teams will work with local news and media agencies so that the information is disseminated immediately.

For more information about Smallpox please use the following resources.

CDC Public Response National Hotline

1-888-246-2675 (English)

1-888-246-2857 (Español)

1-866-874-2646 (TTY)

National Immunization Program

www.cdc.gov/nip

Smallpox Facts and Information

www.cdc.gov/smallpox

New Jersey Smallpox Information

www.state,nj.us/health/er/smallpox.htm

Camden County