Smallpox
Alternative Names
Variola - major and minor; VariolaSymptoms
- High fever
- Fatigue
- Severe headache
- Backache
- Malaise
- Raised pink rash -- turns into pus-filled lesions that become crusty on day 8 or 9
- Delirium
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive bleeding
Exams and Tests
Blood tests will show a low white blood cell count at first, but higher levels of white blood cells are seen later in the disease. Platelet count will be low.
A DIC panel can be positive if there is excessive bleeding. Antibodies turn positive soon after the infection is complete.
Special laboratory tests can be used to identify the virus.
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