Smallpox, which is also called variola, comes in two forms. Variola major is the more deadly form of smallpox killing 30% of victims. Variola minor kills only 1% of victims but leaves the victims very sick. Smallpox is primarily a disease of children or young adults, but older people can also contract it. Smallpox is highly contagious from one person to another. The virus is spread through the air through droplets of bodily fluid discharged by the mouth or nose when the infected person sneezes or coughs. The virus is also commonly spread through the use of infected clothing, blankets, towels and linens. Smallpox is contagious three days after the exposure to the virus and can last up to three weeks. The incubation period for smallpox is twelve days to fourteen days. Smallpox spreads most easily when the weather is cool and dry during the wintertime.
             Symptoms begin about two weeks after infection. The first symptoms begin with a high fever, prostration and muscle pain. The symptoms get progressively worse and lead to extreme vomiting and diarrhea. A few days later, a rash begins to develop on the face, palms of the hands and feet. About a week later, the rash becomes pus-filled pimples. A fever comes back and the pimples become filled with bacteria. The pimples then become crusted and begin to fall off, leaving scars behind. All other symptoms begin to leave. Death is caused when the virus infects the brain, heart and lungs.
             People who have just suffered from smallpox are not totally out of danger. There are many complications that can follow this disease. When the infection enters the eyes it can lead to blindness or vision loss. Smallpox can also leave males infertile. When the pimples begin to fall off, they can leave open sores that bacteria infect to complicate matters more. Some of the larger pimples leave huge scars all over your body and they never fully heal. Smallpox can also lead to a
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