Smallpox News and Research

RSS

Smallpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the variola virus, a member of the Orthopox virus family. It is one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity, with a mortality rate as high as 30%. In 1967, the World Health Organization embarked upon an intensified vaccination campaign to eliminate smallpox, which culminated in the successful eradication of the disease globally by 1980.

By the mid-1980s, there were only two known repositories of variola virus: the Institute of Virus Preparations in Russia, and the US CDC. The events in the US in September and October 2001 highlighted the risk that the variola virus might be used as an agent of bioterrorism. Governments around the world are taking precautionary measures to be ready to deal with a potential smallpox outbreak.

Genomic analysis of the 2022 monkeypox outbreak

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* pre-print server, researchers analyzed two genomic sequences of the Monkeypox virus from Belgium and Portugal termed ITM001 and PT0001, respectively, to show that the May 2022 Monkeypox outbreak most likely originated from the West African clade of the virus.

14 Jun 2022

Animal study suggests intranasal COVID vaccine delivery more efficient than intramuscular

In a recent study published in the journal PNAS, researchers demonstrated higher comparative efficacy of the intranasal (IN) route of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine administration versus intramuscular route in mice.

12 Jun 2022

Epidemiology and the public health response of monkeypox

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, i.e. it can be transmitted between animals and humans via direct or indirect contacts.

3 Jun 2022

Presence of monkeypox viruses in distantly associated small mammal species

A recent study depicted that distantly linked tiny mammal species from the Democratic Republic of the Congo harbor monkeypox viruses (MPXV).

2 Jun 2022

Phylogenomic characterization of the first genome sequences of the monkeypox virus outbreak variant

Researchers characterized infections caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).

2 Jun 2022

Study highlights clinical features and treatment approaches for human monkeypox in the UK

researchers from the UK unveil the details of imported, household, and hospital transmission of monkeypox and report the first usage of two specific antiviral agents in the treatment of this disease.

30 May 2022

FIND to present an overview of disease surveillance status and diagnostics to combat monkeypox

Diagnostic testing and disease surveillance are back in the spotlight as scientists and public health workers closely monitor the current outbreak of monkeypox that has emerged in cities across Europe, the US, Australia and Canada.

26 May 2022

We need to prepare for Monkeypox - now confirmed in 21 countries

Efforts should be made to curb the spread of this virus in order to prevent another pandemic.

25 May 2022

Study reports on the first instances of in-hospital, household transmission of monkeypox

A new retrospective study of seven patients diagnosed with monkeypox in the UK between 2018 and 2021, suggests that some antiviral medications might have the potential to shorten symptoms and reduce the amount of time a patient is contagious.

24 May 2022

Emergence of monkeypox: Control measures and concerns

Monkeypox, a virus that causes pus-filled blisters, has been detected in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and some European nations.

23 May 2022

First draft genome sequence of the Monkeypox virus associated with major outbreak

In a recent study posted to the Virological discussion forum, researchers revealed a draft genome sequence of the monkeypox virus associated with a recent outbreak in Portugal.

23 May 2022

The prevalence of rodent-borne zoonotic viruses in Europe among the small mammals inhabiting farming landscapes

In northwest Spain, scientists screened 526 wild small mammals for zoonotic viruses and identified several viruses, such as hantavirus, orthopoxvirus, and arenavirus.

19 May 2022

First oral antiviral approved for early treatment of COVID-19

The United States Food and Drug Administration granted an Emergency Use Authorization in December 2021 for the first oral antiviral, a pill containing two protease inhibitors – nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid, Pfizer) – for early treatment of COVID-19.

11 May 2022

Vaccine features that could induce durable humoral immune responses against SARS-CoV-2

A new study explored key vaccine features which could help induce and preserve humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

11 May 2022

Researchers investigate the population-level consequences of wearing masks

McMaster University researchers who study the dynamics of infectious disease transmission have investigated the population-level consequences of a potentially significant––and unobvious––benefit of wearing masks.

4 May 2022

Exploring oncolytic viral therapeutics and immunotherapies derived from DNA and RNA

A new review initially described the developments in cancer-based medicines that included vaccinations, vector-based techniques, and genome injection using DNA and RNA-based nucleic acid therapeutics.

28 Apr 2022

Eradicating Polio; What's it going to take?

In this interview, we speak to Judith Diment from Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee about the incredible work they are doing to help eradicate polio worldwide.

26 Apr 2022

Study explores myopericarditis incidence and COVID-19 vaccination

Researchers investigated the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the incidence of myopericarditis.

13 Apr 2022

Risk of myopericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination is very low, confirms study

The overall risk of myopericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination is very low, affecting 18 people per million vaccine doses. A new study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, confirms that this risk is comparable to or lower following COVID-19 vaccination than other non-COVID-19 vaccines.