How fast does smallpox spread

Transmission Minus Related Pages. How does Smallpox Spread? Related Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The symptoms of smallpox begin with a high fever, head and body aches and, in some cases, vomiting. After two to four days, a rash appears. The rash spreads, and develops into raised bumps that crust and scab over. After about three weeks, the scabs fall off, leaving pitted scars. The first symptoms of smallpox usually show up about days after a person has been exposed to the illness, although symptoms can take as little as seven days or as long as 17 days to appear.

Once the first symptoms appear, the patient is usually too ill to travel or engage in most forms of activity. The patient doesn't become infectious - capable to transmitting the disease to others - until the rash appears. Smallpox is contagious, but it's spread less easily than illnesses like influenza or measles.

Generally, it takes prolonged, face-to-face contact - of the kind that takes place in a household setting - to spread the disease from one person to another. It can also be spread through direct contact with body fluids, or objects like bedding and clothing. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.

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Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Smallpox. Top of the page. Topic Overview What is smallpox? What are the symptoms? How is smallpox spread? How is smallpox diagnosed? How is it treated? Can smallpox infection be prevented? People who have survived smallpox cannot get it again. Smallpox fact sheet: Vaccine overview. Accessed April 5, Smallpox variola. In DW Kimberlin et al. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Smallpox fact sheet: Smallpox overview. Cherry JD, Johnston S This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Smallpox is a contagious, disfiguring and often deadly disease that has affected humans for thousands of years. Smallpox Open pop-up dialog box Close. Smallpox These are smallpox lesions on the skin of the trunk. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Friedman HM, et al. The epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of smallpox. Accessed Feb.

Smallpox vaccine: Drug information. Smallpox vaccine: Patient drug information. Hall JB, et al. Biological warfare. In: Principles of Critical Care.