VARIOLA VIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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The Variola virus, commonly known as smallpox virus, is a highly contagious and deadly virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is responsible for causing the infectious disease known as smallpox in humans. Smallpox is characterized by a distinct rash that progresses into raised and pus-filled lesions over the entire body.
A dictionary definition of the Variola virus would describe it as a double-stranded DNA virus that derives its name from the Latin word "varus," meaning "pimple" or "mark." It is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during close contact with an infected individual or through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Upon entering the body through the respiratory tract, the Variola virus rapidly multiplies within the respiratory mucosal cells before spreading throughout the bloodstream. It then infects cells of the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs, leading to the characteristic symptoms of high fever, severe body aches, and the formation of skin lesions.
Smallpox has had a significant impact on human history, causing widespread outbreaks and resulting in millions of deaths globally. However, thanks to dedicated global vaccination efforts, the Variola virus was officially declared eradicated in 1980. This milestone made smallpox the first disease eradicated by human efforts. Today, the Variola virus is stored in two secure laboratories, one in the United States and another in Russia, for research and biosecurity purposes.
It is vital to note that although smallpox has been eradicated, the Variola virus remains a concern due to the potential for accidental or deliberate release, requiring continued vigilance and preparedness by public health authorities.
Common Misspellings for VARIOLA VIRUS
- cariola virus
- bariola virus
- gariola virus
- fariola virus
- vzriola virus
- vsriola virus
- vwriola virus
- vqriola virus
- vaeiola virus
- vadiola virus
- vafiola virus
- vatiola virus
- va5iola virus
- va4iola virus
- varuola virus
- varjola virus
- varkola virus
- varoola virus
- var9ola virus
Etymology of VARIOLA VIRUS
The word "Variola" is derived from the Latin word "variola", meaning "pustule" or "pimple". It originates from the Latin term "variola vaccina", which was used to describe the cowpox virus. The term was later applied to smallpox, a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus. The word "virus" has its roots in Latin, where it originally referred to a poisonous secretion or substance. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify an infective agent capable of causing diseases.
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