What
is smallpox?
Smallpox is a viral disease unique to humans and caused by
the Variola virus. After a successful Public Health vaccination
campaign, it was eradicated in 1977.
Can I get Smallpox in the mail?
No, Smallpox cannot be sent in the mail in the form of a white
powder. In the majority of cases, smallpox is spread from one
person to another by infected saliva droplets that expose a susceptible
person having face-to-face contact with the ill person.
Is the threat real?
The concern about smallpox is rising because of its possible use
as a bioterrorist weapon. However, at the present time there is
no evidence of smallpox transmission anywhere in the world and
we have no information that suggests an imminent smallpox threat.
What can I do to prepare my family
for a bioterrorist event?
The best preparation will be the Public Health monitoring and
surveillance which includes working with all hospitals and physicians
to report any suspicious illness immediately. If a release were
to happen, regional and national emergency response would be put
into place and you would be provided information and instructions
immediately. It's always good to be prepared for any emergency
by having food, water, a radio, batteries and other emergency
supplies on hand.
What is Stanislaus County Public
Health Department's Emergency Plan?
Our county's emergency operations plan includes specific response
to bioterrorism. As with any emergency, a coordinated response
will be conducted with fire, police, health care providers and
other public agencies. In the case of bioterrorism, the plan addresses
detection, surveillance, laboratory analysis, emergency response,
treatment, and communication with the public. Also the Public
Health Department is instructing our county's physicians to report
any suspicious illness immediately.
Will antibiotics protect me against
smallpox?
Antibiotics are meant to fight off bacterial infections. They
cannot be used against viral infections. Since smallpox is caused
by a virus, antibiotics will not fight the smallpox infection.
Where can I get smallpox vaccine?
In the United States, routine vaccination against smallpox ended
in 1972. The smallpox vaccine is not currently available to the
general public. At this time, national plans do not include routine
vaccination of the public against smallpox.
Where can I find more information?
You can go to the Stanislaus County, Health Services Agency website
at www.HSAHEALTH.org or call The Stanislaus County, Public Health
Department at (209)558-5678.
You can also contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
at www.bt.cdc.gov
or call toll free; English: (888)
246-2675, Español: (888)
246-2857, TTY: (866) 874-2646.
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