Smallpox Vs Measles

Smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus. It is characterized by fever, body aches, and a distinctive skin rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters. Smallpox has been responsible for significant mortality throughout history, but it was declared eradicated in 1980 following a successful global vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization. The only remaining samples of the virus are kept in secure laboratories, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing such infectious diseases.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus, characterized by symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive red rash that usually appears a few days after the onset of initial symptoms. Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, particularly in unvaccinated individuals. Vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of measles worldwide, but outbreaks can still occur, particularly in populations with low vaccination rates.