Is smallpox still around?

Answer 1

It has been eradicated world-wide.

There are still samples of the virus in labs throughout the world though.

Answer 2

The thought of a smallpox outbreak is scary, but public health officials are preparing to respond quickly and effectively to such an event. The public can prepare too, by being informed. This fact sheet was created to provide members of the public with basic information about the possible use of smallpox as a biological weapon and what to do if that happens. If a smallpox emergency occurs, more detailed information and instructions will be available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site and through other channels such as radio and television.

Why Smallpox is a Concern
Because smallpox was wiped out many years ago, a case of smallpox today would be the result of an intentional act. A single confirmed case of smallpox would be considered an emergency.

Thanks to the success of vaccination, the last natural outbreak of smallpox in the U.S. occurred in 1949. By 1972, routine smallpox vaccinations for children in the U.S. were no longer needed. In 1980, smallpox was said to be wiped out worldwide, and no cases of naturally occurring smallpox have happened since.

Today, the smallpox virus is kept in two approved labs in the U.S. and Russia. However, credible concern exists that the virus was made into a weapon by some countries and that terrorists may have obtained it. Smallpox is a serious, even deadly, disease. CDC calls it a “Category A” agent. Category A agents are believed to present the greatest potential threat for harming public health

Answer 3

Smallpox, is caused by another version of the chickenpox virus.... So the chicken pox version is still around but NOT the Smallpox. That was obliterated (in the 1950's or 60's) by the World Health Organization. They forced everybody to get vaccinated for Smallpox so that it would not be able to spread anymore.

Answer 4

Unfortunately yes. In 1980 it had been thought to be irradicated world wide, but has recently made a comeback.
Smallpox can be prevented by the smallpox vaccine, however this vaccine is not available to the civilian public.

Answer 5

No. It was eradicted from the world around 1976. The virus still exists in some labs. in the world, in case it reappears and vaccine is required. Since the disease was eradicated a long time ago, the virus should be destroyed; in case it leads to an accidental outbreak or it is used for biological warfare.

Answer 6

Yes smallpox is around. You can get a vaccine for it.

Answer 7

In the general population no.

Smallpox does exist in several labs in the world. the Center For Disease Control in Atlanta, one in Russia and I think in the Pasteur Institute in Paris. It is held in a level III isolation lab under the tightest security.

I don't know how many companies make the vaccine in the US. As part of emergency planning there are supplies of the vaccine (among other vaccines and medical supplies)being stockpiled for use in case of an outbreak. But currently is the disease loose in the world as it once was? No. You can only find it today in vials and in vaccine.

Answer 8

No, Small Pox is the only disease, which can be eradicated from the whole world in 1977. This was the major triumph of our medical science and health care system. Some similar pox are still present but they are not so much harmful. You should not get worried.

Answer 9

Small pox was eradicated by the World Health Organization in 1980, it is still around in controlled labortories, CDC, Atlanta, Korsko, Russia....Would be very hard to obtain by terrorists...

Answer 10

Yes, it is stored in certain fascilities across the world in case it is needed to make another vaccine.