SMALLPOX EPIDEMIC IN FARMINGTON
By: Karen Ru
ABOUT
Smallpox was present in 1519 in Central America. Smallpox is a highly contaigious disease that is caused by the variola virus. This virus is part of the Orthopoxvirus, which includes animal poxviruses. It is smaller than the smallest bacteria and is not affected by using antibiotics. Therefore, it is very hard to treat and spreads quickly once someone is infected. Smallpox was brought to Farmington by the French and Indian War in 1760.
Contagious
The first thought for someone infected by smallpox would be to isolate that person from the community so the disease does not travel. To quarantine the person was helpful but the virus could survive for many days on the clothing of victims. In addition, the disease could even be caught if that person sneezes, coughs or exhales.
Internal Bleeding
People not treated for smallpox could die in a couple of days because their internal organs were bleeding. If they did happen to survive, they would be insane, deaf or paralyzed. These victims would be immune but they would be unrecognizable by their family members because their faces would be filled with disfiguring scars.
Symptoms
When first infected, there would be minor signs of symptoms until about 12 days later. After about 12 days, victims would experience high fever, headache, or backache. According to Connecticuthistory.org, a rash would develop in 2 weeks. Small, deep nodules would appear on the thick, inflamed, skin. Afterwards, the respiratory system and eyes could be affected and the victim could result in blindness.