Smallpox

Description

A disease caused by an infection with variola virus. This disease is characterised by a maculopapular rash that progresses to vesicles (commonly on the face, arms, and legs), and fever. Transmission is by direct contact. Confirmation is by identification of the variola virus in a skin sample of the rash. In 1980 the 33rd World Health Assembly declared that smallpox had been eradicated. The classification is maintained for surveillance purposes.

Inclusions

• Variola

Exclusions from above levels

• NE83.1 – Infection arising from device, implant or graft, not elsewhere classified