3 ms·

Can anyone comment on how bad it would be if this sample were viable and exposed to a populated area?

• kstenerud 12y ago
  People are only infectious after the rash appears, and remain infectious for about 2 weeks. Transmission usually requires prolonged face-to-face contact with an infected person. Prior to the rash appearing, the infected person will feel lethargic and ill, and will likely take to bed. So if there were a potent enough exposure event, it would be fairly easy to recognize and contain. Smallpox wouldn't make a very effective biological weapon (except for psychological effect).