Eradication of infectious diseasesThe eradication of infectious diseases is the reduction of the prevalence of an infectious disease in the globalhost population to zero. Two infectious diseases have successfully been eradicated: smallpox in humans, and rinderpest in ruminants. As of 2026, the Carter Center International Task Force for Disease Eradication has targeted two human diseases for eradication: dracunculiasis (Guinea worm), and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis).
Variola virusVariola virus is the causative agent of smallpox, a formerly widespread and dangerous disease in humans. The virus is large and brick-shaped and is approximately 330 nanometers by 260 nm, with a single linear double stranded DNA genome 186 kilobase pairs (kbp) in size and containing a hairpin loop at each end. It infects only humans in nature. Both enveloped and unenveloped virions are infectious.
OrthopoxvirusOrthopoxvirus is a genus of viruses in the family Poxviridae and subfamily Chordopoxvirinae. Vertebrates, including mammals and reptiles, and arthropods serve as natural hosts. There are 12 known species in this genus. Diseases associated with this genus include smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, camelpox, and mpox (monkeypox). The most widely known member of the genus is Variola virus, which causes smallpox.
FomiteA fomite () or fomes () is any inanimate object that, when contaminated with or exposed to infectious agents (such as pathogenic bacteria, viruses or fungi), can transfer disease to a new host. Transfer of pathogens by fomitesA fomite is any inanimate object (also called passive vector) that, when contaminated with or exposed to infectious agents (such as pathogenic bacteria, viruses or fungi), can transfer disease to a new host.
Ali Maow MaalinAli Maow Maalin (Somali: Cali Macow Macallin; also Mao Moallim and Mao' Mo'allim; 1954 – 22 July 2013) was a Somali hospital cook and health worker from Merca who is the last person known to have been infected with naturally occurring Variola minorsmallpox. The disease was diagnosed in October 1977 and Maalin made a full recovery.
World Health OrganizationSpecialized agency of the United NationsThe World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) which coordinates responses to international public health issues and emergencies. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has six regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide. Only sovereign states are eligible to join, and it is the largest intergovernmental health organization at the international level.
FeverFever or pyrexia in humans is a symptom of an anti-infection defense mechanism that appears with body temperature exceeding the normal range caused by an increase in the body's temperature set point in the hypothalamus. There is no single agreed-upon upper limit for normal temperature: sources use values ranging between 37.2 and 38.3 °C (99.0 and 100.9 °F) in humans. The increase in set-point triggers increased muscle contractions and causes a feeling of cold or chills.
Ulcer (dermatology)An ulcer is a sore on the skin or a mucous membrane, accompanied by the disintegration of tissue. Ulcers can result in complete loss of the epidermis and often portions of the dermis and even subcutaneous tissue. Ulcers are most common on the skin of the lower extremities and in the gastrointestinal tract. An ulcer that appears on the skin is often visible as an inflamed tissue with an area of reddened skin.
BlisterA blister is a small pocket of body fluid (lymph, serum, plasma, blood, or pus) within the upper layers of the skin, usually caused by forceful rubbing (friction), burning, freezing, chemical exposure or infection. Most blisters are filled with a clear fluid, either serum or plasma. However, blisters can be filled with blood (known as "blood blisters") or with pus (for instance, if they become infected).
Wound healingWound healing refers to a living organism's replacement of destroyed or damaged tissue by newly produced tissue. In undamaged skin, the epidermis (surface, epithelial layer) and dermis (deeper, connective layer) form a protective barrier against the external environment. When the barrier is broken, a regulated sequence of biochemical events is set into motion to repair the damage.
InfectionInvasion of an organism's body by pathogenic agentsMedical conditionAn infection is the invasion of tissues by pathogens, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agent and the toxins they produce. An infectious disease is an illness resulting from an infection, and some infectious diseases are also communicable (transmissible). Infections can be caused by a wide range of pathogens, most prominently bacteria and viruses.
RashA rash is a change of the skin that affects its color, appearance, or texture. A rash may be localized in one part of the body, or affect all the skin. Rashes may cause the skin to change color, itch, become warm, bumpy, chapped, dry, cracked or blistered, swell, and may be painful. The causes, and therefore treatments for rashes, vary widely.
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