SMALLPOX VIRUSES Meaning and
Definition
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Smallpox viruses refer to a group of highly contagious and potentially deadly viruses that cause the infectious disease known as smallpox. Smallpox is caused by two different types of viruses, Variola major and Variola minor, which belong to the Orthopoxvirus family. These viruses are unique to humans and have been responsible for numerous outbreaks and pandemics throughout history.
Smallpox viruses are characterized by their genome, structure, and mode of transmission. They have a large, complex DNA genome and are enveloped by a lipid-containing membrane. The viruses are spread from person to person primarily through respiratory droplets, but direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects can also contribute to transmission.
Symptoms of smallpox typically appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic rash that progresses from macules to papules and eventually to pustules. Smallpox is highly contagious, as infected individuals can spread the virus to others starting from the onset of fever until the pustules have scabbed over and fallen off.
Efforts to eradicate smallpox began in the mid-20th century, with a successful global vaccination campaign. The last known natural case of smallpox occurred in Somalia in 1977, and in 1980, the World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated. Today, smallpox viruses are only known to exist in two secure laboratories, one in the United States and another in Russia.
Due to its historical impact and the potential threat of its accidental or intentional release, the study and containment of smallpox viruses remain essential in public health and biosafety practices.
Common Misspellings for SMALLPOX VIRUSES
- amallpox viruses
- zmallpox viruses
- xmallpox viruses
- dmallpox viruses
- emallpox viruses
- wmallpox viruses
- snallpox viruses
- skallpox viruses
- sjallpox viruses
- smzllpox viruses
- smsllpox viruses
- smwllpox viruses
- smqllpox viruses
- smaklpox viruses
- smaplpox viruses
- smaolpox viruses
- smalkpox viruses
- smalppox viruses
- smalopox viruses
- smalloox viruses
Etymology of SMALLPOX VIRUSES
The word "smallpox" comes from the phrase "small pocks", with "pocks" meaning "pustules" or "pimples". The "small" in "smallpox" refers to the size of the pustules that appear on the skin during the infection. The term "viruses" refers to infectious agents that can cause diseases, including smallpox. The word "virus" itself is derived from the Latin word "virus", which originally meant "poison" or "venom". Over time, the meaning of "virus" evolved to encompass microscopic infectious particles.
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