Smallpox outbreak prevention

CDC has a detailed plan to protect Americans against the use of smallpox as a biological weapon. This plan includes the creation and use of special teams of health care and public health workers. If a smallpox case is found, these teams will take steps immediately to control the spread of the disease. Smallpox was wiped out through specific public health actions, including vaccination, and these actions will be used again.

Outbreak prevention

• If a smallpox outbreak happens, public health officials will use television, radio, newspapers, the Internet and other channels to inform members of the public about what to do to protect themselves and their families.

• Officials will tell people where to go for care if they think they have smallpox.

• Smallpox patients will be isolated (kept away from other people who could get sick from them) and will receive the best medical care possible. Isolation prevents the virus from spreading to others.

• Anyone who has had contact with a smallpox patient will be offered smallpox vaccination as soon as possible. Then, the people who have had contact with those individuals will also be vaccinated. Following vaccination, these people will need to watch for any signs of smallpox. People who have been exposed to smallpox may be asked to take their temperatures regularly and report the results to their health department.

• The smallpox vaccine may also be offered to those who have not been exposed, but would like to be vaccinated. At local clinics, the risks and benefits of the vaccine will be explained and professionals will be available to answer questions.

• No one will be forced to be vaccinated, even if they have been exposed to smallpox.

• To prevent smallpox from spreading, anyone who has been in contact with a person with smallpox but who decides not to get the vaccine may need to be isolated for at least 18 days. During this time, they will be checked for symptoms of smallpox.

• People placed in isolation will not be able to go to work. Steps will be taken to care for their everyday needs (e.g., food and other needs).

Personal/Family prevention

• Stay informed. Listen to the news to learn how the outbreak is affecting your community.
  • Public health officials will share important information including areas where smallpox cases have been found and who to call and where to go if you think you have been exposed to smallpox.

• Follow the instructions of public health authorities.

• Stay away from, and keep your children away from, anyone who might have smallpox.
  • This is especially important if you or your children have not been vaccinated.

• If you think you have been exposed to smallpox, stay away from others and call your health department or health care provider immediately; they will tell you where to go.