Possible smallpox scare closes Hollywood ER

Miami Herald ^ | October 20th, 2006 | KATHLEEN McGRORY

[Caipirabob]

The emergency room at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood was put on lockdown this morning after a possible smallpox scare, fire-rescue officials said.

A single patient in the ER could be exhibiting signs and symptoms of the potentially fatal disease, authorities said. It is unclear if the patient was brought in by a rescue team or came to the hospital alone.

The emergency room was under quarantine until further notice, fire-rescue officials said.

[freeperfromnj]

You're welcome. Glad it wasn't the real deal.

[From One - Many]

If I understand the disease correctly, he would be in danger himself.

[Jim Noble]

If the lockdown has been lifted, it wasn't smallpox.

[WestCoastGal]

People immunized years ago have lost most if not all protection from smallpox.

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Length of Protection
Smallpox vaccination provides high level immunity for 3 to 5 years and decreasing immunity thereafter. If a person is vaccinated again later, immunity lasts even longer. Historically, the vaccine has been effective in preventing smallpox infection in 95% of those vaccinated. In addition, the vaccine was proven to prevent or substantially lessen infection when given within a few days of exposure. It is important to note, however, that at the time when the smallpox vaccine was used to eradicate the disease, testing was not as advanced or precise as it is today, so there may still be things to learn about the vaccine and its effectiveness and length of protection.

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/vaccination/facts.asp

[east1234]

They say an old immunization will provide at least partial immunity. I'm glad I have an old scar on my shoulder, dates from the early 70's. My parents had the foresight to get us all done as they were ending them, just in case.

[PCRit]

Studies have shown that even after a single vaccination, 75yrs ago, most people still have some neutralizing antibodies which will give some level of protection. Not enough immune response for complete protection, but enough to greatly reduce the disease progression. Of course, since routine smallpox vaccination stopped in the mid-late '70s, anyone born since then would not have been routinely vaccinated.

http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?language=english&type=article&article_id=218392037

[Syntyr]

I was born in 66 and I have my scar on my shoulder for my innoculation. Sister was born in 70 and she was not vacccinated for it. I think they stopped in 75 and you got the innoculation at age 6.

[blam]

"I am of the age that I was the first year to not get the smallpox vaccine."

I got mine in the 50's. That just means it'll take a little longer for me to die.

[Jim Noble]

That just means it'll take a little longer for me to die.

In the London outbreak of 1900, the mortality among the unvaccinated was 30%

Those who had been vaccinated as infants - once - had dramatically reduced mortality, even those over age 50.

I think the highest mortality for those vaccinated as infants was the 50-60 year old group, and it was under 5%.

[east1234]

Furthermore, it reduces the severity significantly, no going blind, minor scaring, minor organ damage, and then you are immune for life.

[glorgau]

No problem - it was Ebola



Just kidding ;-)