(Image credit: Metro UK)
We have all heard of the Chickenpox and the Smallpox. But, now there is a third pox: Monkeypox. Is there a difference between the three?
Smallpox
The Smallpox, also called variola, was an Orthopoxvirus. According to the World Health Organization, the Smallpox was completely eradicated in 1980. The last known natural case of the Smallpox was in October 1977.
The incubation period of the Smallpox was 10 to 12 days. But, the actual duration is ∼4 weeks. The Smallpox causes scarring of the skin and may cause permanent blindness. It could be airborne, so inhaling it was a possibility. The Smallpox could also be transmitted via direct bodily fluids (i.e. urine, sweat, tears, blood, mucus, saliva, etc.) or via fomites (like pillows or bed-sheets.)
There is a vaccination to help fight off the Smallpox, if it would return. This is possible however extremely unlikely. It had a 30% death rate. At least 300 million people died from Smallpox when it was still around.
Chickenpox
The Chickenpox, also know as varicella, is caused by the Varicella zoster virus. There were only about 100 people died from the Chickenpox in the US alone.
Similar to the Smallpox, the Chickenpox causes rashes on the skin. However, there aren't as many of them and they aren't as big. But, the Chickenpox can cause people to get Shingles when they get older.
The incubation period of the Chickenpox is from 10 to 21 days. It can last for 5 to 10 days. You can contract the Chickenpox from an infected person's cough or sneeze. There is a vaccination available to prevent a Chickenpox infection.
Monkeypox
The Monkeypox is caused by a virus of the same name. Similar to the previous two infections, it causes rashes on the skin. This is the rarest of the three.
The incubation period is 5 to 21 days, but can last from 2 to 4 weeks. There is a vaccination available to prevent a Monkeypox infection. The death rate is from 3 to 6 percent.
Other Information
The word "pox" refers to the small rashes or pimples that appear on the skin of the infected during the infection periods.