Smallpox epidemiology and demographics: Difference between revisions
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==Age== | ==Age== | ||
The incidence of the disease according to age depended on the level of acquired immunity of the population. When populations were exposed to the disease for the first time, all ages would be infected. In endemic regions, where there was some level of immunity, children and young adults were the most affected.<ref name=PubMed>{{cite web|title=Smallpox|url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002332/}}</ref> | |||
==Gender== | ==Gender== |
Revision as of 19:58, 10 July 2014
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Overview
Prevalence
Incidence
The number of cases reported to the international health authorities varied greatly in accuracy. The data obtained from non-endemic countries, with good health services were probably more accurate. According to the Intensified Smallpox Eradication Programme, the reported incidence amounted to 1-2% of the reality, therefore it is not possible to obtain a true number on the incidence.
Even in endemic regions there were periods called epidemic years in which the incidence was much higher. For this difference several possibilities were evoked, such as:
- Viability of the virus
- Changes in susceptibility of the host
- Social factors such as dispersion of the population
- Seasonable variation in incidence in relation to eradication
Age
The incidence of the disease according to age depended on the level of acquired immunity of the population. When populations were exposed to the disease for the first time, all ages would be infected. In endemic regions, where there was some level of immunity, children and young adults were the most affected.[1]
Gender
Smallpox affected males and females equally.
Race
Despite potential racial susceptibility, differences in incidence of the disease according to the race were never demonstrated.
Developed Countries
Developed countries, due to a better established health system had lower incidence of smallpox and better reports of the new cases to the international organizations.