Smallpox is an acute, contagious disease caused by the variola virus. The disease starts with high fever, fatigue, headache, and back pain, followed by a characteristic rash that progresses from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs over the course of weeks. The rash is most dense on the face and extremities, and survivors often bear deep scars. Severe cases can cause blindness and death, but smallpox no longer poses a threat thanks to the success of vaccines.
Symptoms
Begins with high fever, fatigue, headache, and back pain.
Progression
This is followed by the development of a characteristic rash, starting as red spots on the face and spreading to the arms, legs, and torso. These spots turn into pus-filled sores that eventually scab over and fall off. Over a span of about two weeks, the sores evolve through stages of macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs. Severe cases can lead to blindness, permanent scarring, and death.
Treatment
- Neem leaves used to bathe skin
- Aloe Vera to sooth skin
- Topical Calendula to promote healing