Smallpox and Cutaneous Anthrax

Smallpox

Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by variola virus. The discontinuation of the smallpox vaccination after the disease was eradicated in 1980 has made the world vulnerable again to its use as a weapon.

Symptoms

1. The incubation period between contraction and the first obvious symptoms of the disease is around 12 days. Once inhaled, the virus invades the mouth and throat and begins to multiply.

2. Smallpox virus preferentially attacks skin cells, causing the characteristic pimples called macules (they normally spread to the whole body in 24 hours).

3. These macules near the mouth get filled with a fluid and rupture releasing large amounts of the virus into the saliva.

4. The disease creates fever, head and body aches and vomiting.

Anthrax

Anthrax (cutaneous) is a disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Most forms of the disease are lethal, and it affects both humans and animals. The bacterium can form spores that are able to survive in harsh conditions and ultimately spread.

Symptoms

1. Cutaneous (on the skin) anthrax infection in humans presents as a boil-like skin lesion that eventually forms an ulcer with a black center.

2. This type of anthrax does not generally cause pain unlike others.

3. This is the result of the bacterial spores getting into the cuts on skin. If untreated, the bacterium can damage vital organs.

4. Other types of anthrax include the infection of the digestive system (Gastrointestinal) in which occurs vomiting of blood and respiratory infection (Pulmonary) which represents flu initially and then develops to serious pneumonia eventually leading to death.