Smallpox: A review for health educators

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2003

Publication Title

American Journal of Health Education

Volume

34

Issue

5

First page number:

278

Last page number:

283

Abstract

Since the declaration of the eradication of smallpox in May of 1980 concern about this virus has ebbed. However, recent world events, including the destabilization of governments, have raised concerns that smallpox could fall into the hands of nefarious individuals or groups who might attempt to use the virus as a weapon. In Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publications the threat of smallpox being intentionally released by bioterrorists is currently considered possible. Because health educators would likely be involved in public health prevention and response efforts to a release, it is our responsibility to be knowledgeable about smallpox. This article defines the disease, describes its history and the successful eradication effort, and discusses public health preparations for the possible return of this killer.

Keywords

Bioterrorism; Bioterrorism--Health aspects; Bioterrorism--Safety measures; Public health; Smallpox; Smallpox—Prevention; Smallpox—Vaccination; Smallpox vaccine

Disciplines

Health Policy | Public Health | Public Policy | Virus Diseases

Language

English

Permissions

Use Find in Your Library, contact the author, or interlibrary loan to garner a copy of the item. Publisher policy does not allow archiving the final published version. If a post-print (author's peer-reviewed manuscript) is allowed and available, or publisher policy changes, the item will be deposited.

UNLV article access

Search your library

Share

COinS