CDC Smallpox Risk Evaluation Algorithm

	Agents, Diseases, & Threats
		Bioterrorism Agents

			Smallpox
			For Everyone:
			•	Disease
			•	Vaccine

			Specific Groups:
			•	Clinicians
			•	Health Officials
			•	Selected for Response Teams

			Professional Topics:
			•	Diagnosis
			•	Lab Testing
			•	Infection Control
			•	Surveillance & Investigation
			•	Exposure Management
			•	Vaccination
			•	Preparation & Planning
			•	Training
			•	Images
			•	References

Smallpox Home > Diagnosis/Evaluation >

Evaluate a Rash Illness Suspicious for Smallpox

Caution: Use this tool only when there is no release or circulation of smallpox.

Answer all questions. If a question does not apply to your patient, or if you cannot answer the question, click "No", or "Unknown".

After you complete the questions, press the "Evaluate Risk" button.

Type of Rash Illness

1. Does the patient have an acute, generalized rash on the body, with vesicles or pustules?

Yes

If yes, institute airborne and contact precautions.
If no, and there is no known release or circulation of smallpox, there is no basis for calculating risk for smallpox.

Major Smallpox Criteria more information

2. Does the patient have classic smallpox lesions (i.e., deep-seated, firm/hard, round well-circumscribed vesicles or pustules)?

Yes

No classic smallpox lesions

3. Are the vesicles or pustules in the same stage of development? For example, on any part of the body (e.g., face or arm) are lesions all vesicles or pustules?

Yes

4. Did the patient develop a fever of 101°F or greater 1-4 days before rash onset?

Yes

High fever, but not measured

Unknown

5. Did the patient have any of the following symptoms 1-4 days before rash onset?

Prostration	Headache	Backache
Chills	Vomiting	Severe abdominal pain
No additional symptoms

Minor Smallpox Criteria more information

6. Does the patient have symptoms meeting minor criteria? Check all that apply.

	Lesions are distributed centrifugally, with greatest concentration of lesions on face and distal extremities.
	First lesions occurred on the oral mucosa or palate, face, or forearms.
	The patient appears toxic or moribund.
	Lesions evolve slowly, from macules to papules to vesicles to pustules, with each stage lasting 1-2 days.
	Lesions appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
	No minor smallpox criteria.



Top of Page		Smallpox Home \| Search Smallpox Site \| Contact Us


		Page last modified May 21, 2004

Home | Policies and Regulations | Disclaimer | Contact Us

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A
Tel: 404-639-3311 | Public Inquiries: 888-246-2675 • español 888-246-2857 • TTY 866-874-2646

Department of Health
and Human Services