Caused by the variola virus
Passed through direct contact with the person, with body fluids, as well as with airborne droplets of an infected, symptomatic person
Can survive for 24-48 hours in the environment
Most infectious during the first week of symptoms, but will remain infectious until the last pox scab falls off
Humans are the only known host
Declared eradicated in 1980 after a global immunization campaign from 1966-1980; last known natural case was in Somalia in 1977; last known cases were in England in 1978 after a laboratory accident
Can survive for 24-48 hours in the environment
There are stocks of the virus in 2 laboratories – one in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and one in Moscow, Russia
There are concerns some laboratories may illegally have the virus and could release it as a weapon of bioterrorism
It is considered a potential bioterrorism threat as most people are now considered to be vulnerable to the virus because vaccination programs have stopped
The vaccine “vaccinia variola” was made from a closely-related virus
Vaccination is considered successful if at least one pustule forms at the injection site
Does have serious side effects, especially in the immunocompromised, including death in rare cases
Due to the side effects and the current eradication, it is not used anywhere in the world currently
Only select groups of individuals will be vaccinated, including some members of the US military (depending on where they are deployed) 
Many governments have large stockpiles of the vaccinia vaccine and plans in place for rapid response and vaccination if an outbreak were to occur
Only select groups of individuals will be vaccinated, including some members of the US military (depending on where they are deployed)
Smallpox
Atopic dermatitis
Tularemia
Bed bugs
Scabies
Contact dermatitis
Measles
Drug rash