infectious diseases
Smallpox
Key Points
No cases of smallpox have occurred since 1977, but concerns about possible use for bioterrorism remain. Diagnosis is made by PCR. Treatment is mainly supportive, buttecovirimatandbrincidofovirhave been approved for use;cidofovirmay be considered. Vaccination is highly protective, but rare complications from replication-competent virus vaccine (about 1:10,000) can be serious. Immunity fades over decades. 