Question

What is the causative organism of small pox?
1. Rubella virus
2. Variola virus
3. Cytomegalovirus
4. Ebola virus
5. None of the above/ More than one of the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Variola virus

The correct answer is the Variola virus.

• Smallpox is a disease caused by a poxvirus (also called variola) that is transmitted from person to person that causes high fever, characteristic rash, and may kill about one-third of those infected.
• Smallpox is the only disease that has been completely wiped out throughout the world.

• Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by one of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor.
• The last naturally occurring case was diagnosed in October 1977, and the World Health Organization (WHO) certified the global eradication of the disease in 1980.
• The risk of death following contracting the disease was about 30%, with higher rates among babies.
• Often those who survived had extensive scarring of their skin, and some were left blind.