[texasbluebell]

...keep in mind the smallpox likely to be released would be an extremely virulent kind.

Yes, probably blackpox from what I've been reading. And even with smallpox, not only is there a 30% fatality rate, but many many survivors are left blind. I don't know what the effects of blackpox are.

[FITZ]

Yes blackpox is what the worst kind of smallpox was and it had a higher than 30% death rate in those that got it, but not everyone died of smallpox in the past because many people had acquired immunity either by animal pox diseases or the less deadly smallpox variants. The good thing is with vaccination we won't have to worry about it at all, so I'm very glad they're closer to offering it. With the majority of people vaccinated, those who can't or shouldn't be vaccinated will have a much lower chance of exposure too since the disease wouldn't have much chance to spread far and so will be protected too ---like people on chemo or children with leukemia, and AIDS patients, or those whose parents choose not to have them vaccinated.