How does smallpox spread?

How does Smallpox Spread? Before smallpox was eradicated, it was mainly spread by direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact between people. read more

Smallpox patients became contagious once the first sores appeared in their mouth and throat (early rash stage). They spread the virus when they coughed or sneezed and droplets from their nose or mouth spread to other people. read more

Spread by contact with inanimate objects (e.g., clothing, towels, linens) would be less common, but possible. Special precautions need to be taken to thoroughly clean all bedding and clothing of smallpox patients with bleach and hot water. read more

Smallpox spreads from contact with infected persons. Generally, direct and fairly prolonged face-to-face contact is required to spread smallpox from one person to another. Smallpox also can be spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing. read more