Smallpox natural

Smallpox is an acute viral illness related to quarantine infections. It is characterized by fever, general intoxication and pustular rash. Smallpox was widespread in Asia and Africa. At present, smallpox has been eradicated all over the world.

Etiology, pathogenesis. The causative agent belongs to the viruses of the smallpox group, it is well preserved when dried. The virus penetrates the body through the mucous membranes of the upper parts of the respiratory tract. Hematogenously infected epithelium, where there is a multiplication, which causes the development of exanthema and enanthema. Infectious-toxic shock can develop. For severe forms, hemorrhagic syndrome is characteristic.

Symptoms, course. The incubation period lasts 5-15 days (usually 10-12 days). The disease begins acutely. With fever, body temperature rises (up to 40 ° C and above). Patients are troubled by weakness, headache, back pain, sacrum, less often nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. The skin of the face, neck and chest is hyperemic, the vessels of the sclera are injected. There may appear a "forerunner" quickly disappearing rash. On the 4th day of the disease, the body temperature decreases, the patient feels better, and at the same time, the exanthema is characteristic of smallpox. Elements of the rash are spots that turn into papules, then into vesicles and to the 7-8th day of the disease - into pustules. By this time the temperature rises again and the patient's condition worsens. From the 14th day of the disease, the pustules turn into crusts, after the falling off of which there are scars. Severe forms include smallpox and hemorrhagic (black) smallpox. In vaccinated smallpox proceeds easily (varioloid), sometimes resembling chicken pox.

Complications: encephalitis, pneumonia, eye damage.

The diagnosis of smallpox should be confirmed by laboratory tests. Clinical manifestations of the disease serve only as a basis for preliminary diagnosis and taking material for a specific study. Differentiate from smallpox monkeys, chicken pox (see Smallpox chickenpox).

Treatment. Use anti-acute gamma-globulin (3-6 ml w / m), inwardly prescribed metisazone (0.6 g 2 times a day for 4-6 days). Conduct symptomatic therapy. When the secondary bacterial infection stratifies, antibiotics (methicillin, oxacillin, erythromycin, etc.) are prescribed.

Prognosis in vaccinated is favorable. Hemorrhagic forms often end lethal.

Prevention. Currently, vaccination against smallpox has been abolished in our country. If suspected of smallpox, the patients are immediately isolated, reported to the district or city health department, they make lists of those in contact with the patients. All contactees are vaccinated and revaccinated. Carry out the current and final disinfection.