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Since smallpox only infects humans, it is spread through human to human contact. It is most often transmitted through the air droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Contaminated clothing or bedding may also be sources of transmitting the disease.
Source: UConn

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Smallpox is caused by the variola virus, which comes in two forms: variola major (lethal strain) and variola minor (mild strain).

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There is currently a smallpox vaccination; however, the vaccine may not fully protect the infected host if symptoms are already present. In other words, the vaccination will not protect those with the rash but will protect those without the rash. There are also antiviral drugs, such as Tecovirimat and Cidofovir, that may help treat the disease or prevent it from getting worse.

According to the CDC, there is a 30% mortality rate from the variola virus. Humans are the normal host cell for this virus and is not known to be transmitted by insects or animals. The variola virus targets and kills epidermal cells in the local area of the infected skin.

Sources: CDC, ECDC, NCBI

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Paige Linden
&
Kathy Tran

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The origin of smallpox is still unknown, but it is believed to date back to the Egyptian Empire around the 3rd century before common era. It was first found in Egypt and India because of a skin rash found on mummies.

Sources: Clark, CDC

(Photograph of rash found on mummy from Foundling Museum)

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Shaped like flattened capsules; pill-shaped

Double-stranded DNA virus

Nucleocapsid

Lipid bilayer envelope

Layer of proteins protecting the core

Core contains DNA as well as 10 enzymes (including topoisomerase which is transmitted with the virus)

Sources: Cronodon, UConn

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The size of the variola virus is large compared to other viruses (230-300 nm versus the common cold virus which is 30 nm in diameter).
Source: Study

(Photograph of variola virus found in a child mummy from The Camping Canuck)