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skos:definition |
MSH: An acute, highly contagious, often fatal infectious disease caused by an orthopoxvirus characterized by a biphasic febrile course and distinctive progressive skin eruptions. Vaccination has succeeded in eradicating smallpox worldwide. (Dorland, 28th ed),MEDLINEPLUS: <p>Smallpox is a disease caused by the <em>Variola major</em> virus. Some experts say that over the centuries it has killed more people than all other infectious diseases combined. Worldwide immunization stopped the spread of smallpox three decades ago. The last case was reported in 1977. Two research labs still house small amounts of the virus. Experts fear <a href='http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/biodefenseandbioterrorism.html'>bioterrorists</a> could use the virus to spread disease.</p><p>Smallpox spreads very easily from person to person. Symptoms are flu-like and include high fever, fatigue and headache and backache, followed by a rash with flat red sores. </p><p>The U.S. stopped routine smallpox vaccinations in 1972. Military and oth
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