Main Points

Smallpox does not occur in nature. People cannot get smallpox by traveling to a foreign country, nor can they get it from people visiting this country. The only known stocks of the virus exist in high-security labs in Atlanta and Russia.

Other than through a criminal act, the risk of exposure to smallpox is zero. While the chance of a criminal act occurring is very low, federal, state, and local governments are seriously working to ensure that if such an act occurs the United States is prepared to deal with it quickly and effectively. The government is focusing on three critical issues concerning smallpox: 1) $1.1 billion was recently made available to states to enhance their bioterror preparedness planning. 2) The manufacture and purchase of additional stocks of vaccine is occurring. 3) The nation’s top scientists are currently developing recommendations for vaccine distribution. Their recommendations are expected to be made to the federal government early this summer.

In the unlikely event of criminal exposure, vaccine would be made available to anyone who was exposed to the disease. Vaccine given within 4 days of exposure can prevent the disease or lessen symptoms.

Secondary Talking Points

Vaccine

The United States is continuing to expand its stockpile of smallpox vaccine and will be prepared to deploy it if necessary.

Vaccine given within 4 days of exposure can prevent the disease or lessen symptoms. Vaccine against smallpox contains another live virus called vaccinia. The vaccine does not contain smallpox virus.

The nation’s top scientists are working on recommendations concerning vaccination. The critical concern is balancing the risks of the vaccine against the near zero possibility of smallpox exposure.

About the Disease

Smallpox is spread from one person to another by infected saliva droplets that expose a susceptible person who has face-to-face contact with the ill person. Persons with smallpox are most infectious after the onset of rash.

Vaccine given within 4 days of exposure can prevent the disease or lessen symptoms. The vaccine does not contain smallpox virus.

The incubation range for smallpox is 7 to 17 days following exposure. Initial symptoms include high fever, fatigue, and head and back aches. A characteristic rash, most prominent on the face, arms, and legs, follows in 2-3 days. 70% of patients with smallpox recover.