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Smallpox

Last reviewed: 5 Oct 2024
Last updated: 07 Feb 2023

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • fever
  • rash
  • malaise/prostration
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • headache
  • backache
  • pharyngitis
  • nausea/vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • diarrhea
  • delirium/confusion
  • seizures
Full details

Risk factors

  • laboratory contact
  • bioterrorism
  • close contact with confirmed case
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • polymerase chain reaction
  • CBC
  • BUN and electrolytes
  • LFTs
  • venous lactate
  • clotting screen
Full details

Tests to consider

  • blood culture
  • malaria antigen test
Full details

Treatment algorithm

INITIAL

suspected smallpox

Contributors

Authors

Miguel G. Madariaga, MD, MSc, FACP

Infectious Diseases Consultant

Naples Community Hospital

Naples

FL

Disclosures

MGM declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Ziba Jalali, MD, PhD

Infectious Disease Physician

Cedar Sinai Medical Center and Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Torrance

CA

Disclosures

ZJ declares that she has no competing interests.

Jimmy Whitworth, MD, FRCP, FFPH, FMedSci, DTM&H

Emeritus Professor

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

London

UK

Disclosures

JW declares that he has no competing interests.

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