Anthrax (Variola major)

 

 

 

source: http://www.msnbc.com/news/1657696.jpg

 



method of delivery: humans are only natural hosts, infection usually comes from contact with contaminated objects, virus highly contagious among people

 

 

symptoms of exposure: high fever, headache, backache, vomiting, rash on face and arms that spreads to trunk

 

 

incubation period: 10-14 days

 

 

effects: rash becomes series of large pustules, possible hemorrhage, mortality rate of around 30% for some forms, close to 100% for others

 

 

structure: small rounded virus

 

 

references:

o       http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/bioterror/agen_smallpox.html

o       http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/overview/disease-facts.asp

o       http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic885.htm