[No_Doll_i]

I wonder if you have any infomation on the half life of smallpox once it is outside the container. Just how long can it live on say a candy wrapper or anything else. I have searched for this information and have not come up with any definate time period. Thanks

[Campion]

I wonder if you have any infomation on the half life of smallpox once it is outside the container. Just how long can it live on say a candy wrapper or anything else.

Bad news: months.

[Thisiswhoweare]

This virus is quite persistent..from Jane's NBC Defence Systems, under Variola Virus, page 16(1998-1999), posted under fair use... "Epidemicity is high, depending on the immunity status of populationand exposure to the disease. The virus is viable in water for several years at 22 to 27øC and isresistant in dry or wet form to very low temperatures. In the drystate it is more resistant than in the wet state. Decontamination canbe effected by exposure to alcohol and acetone for one hour at roomtemperature, but the virus is resistant to some other disinfectants. Moist heat above 78øC and dry heat above 118øC are effective in 10minutes."