Smallpox was a highly contagious, serious viral disease caused by the *Variola virus*. It historically affected humans worldwide, leading to disfiguring scars and often death, before its global eradication.
No active Smallpox reports in South Carolina right now.
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Smallpox has existed for thousands of years, causing devastating epidemics throughout human history. Edward Jenner developed the first effective vaccine against smallpox in 1796, laying the foundation for modern vaccinology. Through a massive global vaccination effort led by the World Health Organization (WHO), smallpox was officially declared eradicated worldwide in 1980, making it the first human disease to be eliminated.
Smallpox primarily spread from person to person through prolonged, direct face-to-face contact via respiratory droplets from an infected individual's coughs or sneezes. It could also spread through direct contact with infected skin lesions or scabs, and less commonly, via contaminated materials like bedding and clothing.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance
Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors Smallpox activity across South Carolina. We track data from state health departments, local hospitals, CDC reports, and 50+ global health sources to provide early warning of emerging threats.
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For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to South Carolina, visit your state health department's website.
Whether you live in South Carolina or are traveling there, knowing the symptoms, timeline, and when to seek care helps you act quickly if exposure occurs.
Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.
Emergency symptoms: Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.
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Trusted information from leading health organizations
Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
View CDC Resources →Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
No confirmed cases reported in South Carolina yet. Here are the latest Smallpox reports from our global surveillance network.
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