Diagnosis
of Smallpox
Clinical
Case Definition of Smallpox (19:11)
The clinical
case definition of smallpox is described as an illness with an
acute onset of fever of 101° Fahrenheit or higher, followed
by a rash. The rash is characterized by firm, deep-seated vesicles
or pustules in the same state of development without other apparent
cause. Isolation of confirmed or suspected smallpox patients is
critical to limit exposure to the virus.
This photograph
depicts an African child displaying the typical rash distribution
of smallpox on his face, chest and arms.
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