Smallpox Outbreak: What to Do

The Sierra Times ^ | Jul. 15, 2002 | by Sherri Tenpenny, DO

[ward_of_the_state]

Although I realize the Chicken Pox vaccine is a different strain of "pox" than small pox, is it possible that would provide some protection since all kids are being vaccinated against chicken pox?

One of the real problems with this whole discussion is who do you believe? Since Sept. 11 when the questions about the possibility of a small pox bio-attack have been raised, I've seen only two sides, either "we're all gonna die" or, "it won't be a problem, go back to your lives citizens". Where does one go for realistic information that will allow us to be prepared without freaking out needlessly?

[Terridan]

Just make sure you get your boosters, if over 35, and cholera and typhoid shots, if going to Mexico... You'd never make it without it! And, who would take care of your kids???

[Terridan]

The only problem with your statements are that ours was the only government that had the virus!!!

[FITZ]

I'll have my kids out of the country just until they're vaccinated. That's just a worse case scenario of course but one I'd be prepared to do. I don't trust that the government can confine smallpox if it breaks out in a major city like Manhattan because airtravel can spread a disease throughout the country within hours ---and that is assuming if we're attacked with smallpox that the terrorists wouldn't do it on a large level, I think they'd find ways to get it to most major cities all at once.

[Kozak]

You have to have the right kind of mosquitos for malaria ---but I suppose they could be brought in by the millions.

O, the mosquito's are here. Malaria used to be endemic in large areas of the US, and the Anopheles mosquitos to spread are still here, they just need to get infected to start the cycle again.

[realpatriot71]

Although I realize the Chicken Pox vaccine is a different strain of "pox" than small pox, is it possible that would provide some protection since all kids are being vaccinated against chicken pox?

They are completely different viruses. Smallpox is your tradional Pox virus. Chicken pox is in the herpes family.

One of the real problems with this whole discussion is who do you believe? Since Sept. 11 when the questions about the possibility of a small pox bio-attack have been raised, I've seen only two sides, either "we're all gonna die" or, "it won't be a problem, go back to your lives citizens". Where does one go for realistic information that will allow us to be prepared without freaking out needlessly?

The only way to wade through propaganda is to check the information yourself. Most of the time the real answer lies somewhere between. I personally do not think smallpox would be much of an issue here in the states. We have the protocols and vaccines in place to actually stop an even big outbreak. Smallpox would devaste the 3rd world if relased though. Terrorists would be stupid to ever use it because it would come right back and kill their families.

My advice here, would be read information on the virus and the vaccine and the protocols we have in place for dealing with it. In the end, only you can make the choice on where you stand.

[FITZ]

Check the dates on this warning from the CDC ---well before Sept 11, 2001.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol4no3/hendrsn.htm

---(Updated: 11/16/1998 13:43:05)

Chickenpox is a completely different virus.

[FITZ]

I forgot about those mosquitoes ---you're right.

[Free the USA]

Index Bump

[FITZ]

And, who would take care of your kids???

Because of where I live that wouldn't be a problem for me personally. I doubt it would come to that anyhow, I think we'll have the vaccines available soon.

[Khepera]

I was vaccinated when I was young. I assume it is still an active vaccination needing no booster.

[Ditter]

You go on to Mexico to hide from disease if you wish, just remember to wash your hands when you come back. I'll be hiding under my bed (with my dust bunnies) thank you.

[madfly]

I was also. In the early 50's, or whenever it was developed. Don't remember. But everything I have read since 9/11 says it would only be effective to age 30, but it seems no one knows for sure.

[First_Salute]

Bump.

[Dark Wing]

ping

[Ditter]

I read this article with intrest & then read all the replys before noticing that the woman who wrote it is a DO not an MD. Does anyone here know what a DO is?

[LibKill]

My last smallpox vaccination was in the '80s, while I was a Marine.

I have heard on the radio that these vaccinations are not forever.

Worse, I work with some young people, ages 18-26. Not one of them has been innoculated against this plague.

It is time to bring back smallpox vaccinations.

[martian_22]

To ping or not to ping....

Thanks.

[Sawdring]

Bump@

[Vercingetorix]

"It wiped the disease out of natural occurrence in the entire world. Yep, that's a pretty lousy record. (/sarcasm)" -- Freedomcrusader

Edward Jenner used an early smallpox vaccination on his infant son. The son grew up mentally retarded and died at age 21 of smallpox. The boy may have been vaccinated as many as 23 times. Jenner did not vaccinate his next child.

Early mass vaccination in England was followed shortly by the worst epidemic of the disease that England had yet seen. Some localities refused the vaccinations and treated the few cases that occurred by quarantine and antisepsis. More likely the vaccination only appeared to succeed by prematurely wiping out most of the susceptible individuals. Methods of quarantine, improved hygiene, and nutrition are more likely responsible for the eventual eradication of the smallpox virus in human populations.

"The CDC reported (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, July 30, 1999, 48:621-628) that improvements in sanitation, water quality, hygiene had been the most important factors in control of infectious diseases in the past century. Although vaccines were mentioned, they were not included among the major factors."

"Not only had poor sanitation and nutrition lain the foundation for disease, it was also compulsory smallpox vaccination campaigns in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that played a major role in decimating the populations of Japan (48,000 deaths), England & Wales (44,840 deaths, after 97 percent of the population had been vaccinated), Scotland, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, Holland, Italy, India (3 million -- all vaccinated), Australia, Germany (124,000 deaths), Prussia (69,000 deaths -- all re-vaccinated), and the Philippines. The epidemics ended in cities where smallpox vaccinations were either discontinued or never begun, and also after sanitary reforms were instituted (most notably in Munich -- 1880, Leicester -- 1878, Barcelona -- 1804, Alicante -- 1827, India -- 1906, etc.)." -- Gary Krasner