What is the primary route of transmission for smallpox?

What is the primary route of transmission for smallpox?

• A. Ingestion of contaminated food.
• B. Direct contact with blood.
• C. Inhalation; contagious when blisters form.
• D. Vector-borne via mosquitoes.

Answer: (C)

Smallpox mainly spreads through inhalation of respiratory droplets from an infected person. When someone with smallpox coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets containing the virus can be inhaled by nearby people, making close, prolonged contact the primary route of transmission. The contagious period starts with symptom onset and is especially pronounced during the rash stage, when the virus is shed in respiratory secretions and in the crusts of the blistered lesions. While the virus can also spread by touching contaminated lesions or objects, the most efficient and common form of spread is through inhaled droplets. Ingestion of contaminated food, direct blood contact, and vectors like mosquitoes are not the main transmission pathways for smallpox.

Smallpox mainly spreads through inhalation of respiratory droplets from an infected person. When someone with smallpox coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets containing the virus can be inhaled by nearby people, making close, prolonged contact the primary route of transmission. The contagious period starts with symptom onset and is especially pronounced during the rash stage, when the virus is shed in respiratory secretions and in the crusts of the blistered lesions. While the virus can also spread by touching contaminated lesions or objects, the most efficient and common form of spread is through inhaled droplets. Ingestion of contaminated food, direct blood contact, and vectors like mosquitoes are not the main transmission pathways for smallpox.