Smallpox

Question 1

The smallpox vaccine is a (live/inactivated) vaccine

Answer 1

live

Uses a pox virus similar to smallpox but less harmful

Question 2

Is there routine immunisation against smallpox in the UK?

Answer 2

NO

But should be considered for workers in laboratories where pox viruses (e.g. monkeypox or genetically modified vaccinia) are handled, and for others whose work involves an identifiable risk of exposure to pox viruses

Question 3

Who should be considered for immunisation against smallpox? (2)

Answer 3

1. Workers in laboratories where pox viruses are handled (e.g. monkeypox or genetically modified vaccinia)
2. Those whose work involves an identifiable risk of exposure to pox viruses

Question 4

Is smallpox an identifiable disease in the UK?

Answer 4

YES

Question 5

What is the structure of viruses in the poxvirus family and are they naked or enveloped?

Answer 5

Double-stranded, linear structure

Enveloped

Question 6

Is smallpox a DNA or RNA virus?

Answer 6

DNA virus