Smallpox
In May 1980, WHO declared the global eradication
of smallpox. Currently, there is no evidence of smallpox transmission
anywhere in the world. The last reported case of endemic smallpox
occurred in Somalia in October 1977, and the last reported case of
laboratory-acquired smallpox occurred in the United Kingdom in 1978.
WHO amended the International Health Regulations on January 1, 1982,
deleting smallpox from the diseases subject to the regulations.
Smallpox vaccination should not be given for international
travel. The risk from smallpox vaccination, although very small,
now exceeds the risk of smallpox; consequently, smallpox vaccination
of civilians is currently indicated only for laboratory workers
directly involved with smallpox or closely related orthopox viruses
(e.g., monkeypox, vaccinia, and others) and public health personnel
that may be involved in the first response to an intentional release
of smallpox virus. Health-care workers whose contact with these
viruses is limited to contaminated materials (e.g., dressings)
are at a lower risk of inadvertent infection than laboratory workers,
but may be considered for vaccination. In response to a confirmed
smallpox outbreak within the United States, rapid voluntary vaccination
of a large population may be required to 1) supplement priority
surveillance and containment control strategies in areas with smallpox
cases, 2) reduce the population at risk for additional intentional
releases of smallpox virus if the probability of such occurrences
is considered substantial, or 3) address heightened public or political
concerns regarding access to voluntary vaccination. Large-scale
voluntary smallpox vaccination would be considered part of an overall
national vaccination strategy and would be initiated following
the approval of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Misuse
of Smallpox Vaccine
Smallpox vaccine should never be used therapeutically.
There is no evidence that vaccination has therapeutic value in the
treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infection, warts, or any other
disease.
— Rafael
Harpaz
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