[Kozak]

Interesting. If no one is presenting symptoms, how would the caller know? As for how we'd find out, the MDs would probably test for smallpox antibodies...

Nope. don't develop antibody till later in the course of the illness. ehre is no test for smallpox antigen (actual virus proteins ), diagnosis is still clinical. If they think this is a credible threat they will have to quaranteen everybody till incubation period is over.

[Poohbah]

To quote Winnie the Pooh...

"Oh, BOTHER!"

[tallhappy]

Nope. don't develop antibody till later in the course of the illness. ehre is no test for smallpox antigen (actual virus proteins ),

This seems remiss. There should be AB's available for this by now.

Or, easier, a PCR analysis on blood or saliva sample can be done quickly and is the most accurate.

It seems if such kits have not been prepared we have been forgetful.

[snippy_about_it]

From the link:

The tipster called a New York Port Authority detective at JFK Airport about 30 minutes before the flight touched down in Seattle, said Cherise Miles, a spokeswoman for Customs in Chicago.

The tipster identified a passenger by name and said the individual had smallpox, Miles said.

The crew did an initial evaluation and determined the individual "did not have any symptoms of active contagious smallpox," said airport spokesman Bob Parker.

********

What if the caller meant "the individual had smallpox" (in his luggage)?