Situation and vulnerability
There is no longer known natural circulation. Current activities concern health preparation and supervised research, rather than a common risk of daily life.
Signs and limits of their interpretation
Historically, high fever and fatigue preceded a rash that evolved to pustules and then crusts. Many current diseases also cause skin damage.
Diagnosis and monitoring
The history of eradication must guide interpretation: visual resemblance is not a diagnosis. The evaluation of an eruption first looks for the causes adapted to the context.
Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →
Prevention and care
Do not deduct a smallpox from an eruption. A table of concern must be assessed medically; exceptional suspicion is the responsibility of the health authorities and specialized laboratories.
Practical issues
Does the mpox mean that the smallpox is back?
No. mpox and smallpox are due to distinct viruses, even if they belong to a related group. Cases of mpox do not affect the eradication of smallpox.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
- Date and evolution of a current eruption
- Travel, contacts and associated symptoms
- Historical issue or specific occupational exposure
Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. AI illustration; it does not depict a disease, biological agent or diagnosis.
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Related fact sheets
These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection
- Adenovirus infection
- Enterovirus D68 infection
- Human metapneumovirus infection
- MERS
- Mumps
Compare Smallpox with associated pages →
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