"Strengthening U.S. Preparedness for the Reemergence of Smallpox: Report Urges Action"

In the realm of infectious diseases, one specter has long haunted the collective consciousness: smallpox. A disease that once ravaged humanity, leaving devastation in its wake, smallpox was believed to have been eradicated nearly half a century ago. However, a recent report has shed light on the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared for the potential resurgence of this ancient scourge.

The United States, like other nations, must bolster its defenses against the possible return of smallpox, whether through natural means, accidental laboratory leaks, or deliberate acts of bioterrorism. The report emphasizes the critical need for enhanced vaccines, improved diagnostics, and more effective therapeutics to combat smallpox should it rear its head once again. Furthermore, these advancements could also prove invaluable in the fight against related viruses, such as mpox, which posed a significant threat in 2022.

Led by experts such as infectious disease clinician Nahid Bhadelia, the report underscores the importance of learning from past shortcomings in responding to infectious diseases like mpox and COVID-19. With the smallpox virus now confined to secure laboratories in the U.S. and Russia, concerns persist about the risks associated with maintaining samples of the variola virus. The debate over whether to destroy these samples continues to simmer on the global stage, with evolving perspectives on the threat posed by genetic sequencing technology.

Smallpox, a formidable member of the orthopox virus family, claimed millions of lives before being vanquished through widespread vaccination efforts. The U.S. holds a stockpile of smallpox vaccines, crucial not only for its own defense but also for potential international outbreaks. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring the availability of safer, single-dose vaccine options and addressing limitations in existing therapeutics and diagnostics.

The report highlights the need for a multipronged approach to smallpox preparedness, advocating for the development of more robust antiviral treatments and improved diagnostic capabilities. With the resurgence of mpox in recent years, the importance of swift and accurate identification of orthopox viruses cannot be overstated. Bhadelia's concerns about differentiating between smallpox and more common viruses underscore the need for a proactive and well-informed response strategy.

As the world grapples with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing mpox epidemic, the time has come to reevaluate our readiness for potential public health crises, including the resurgence of smallpox. The lessons learned from these recent challenges must inform our approach to infectious disease preparedness, ensuring that we are equipped to face whatever threats may arise.

In a rapidly evolving landscape of infectious diseases, the specter of smallpox serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding global health security.

Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/smallpox-may-be-gone-u-s-should-better-prepare-its-return-report-says