What causes smallpox?
Smallpox is caused by a bacterium called β-hemolytic streptococcus. This germ produces a substance (toxin) that causes the characteristic rash in susceptible children. Not all children develop smallpox. In addition, not all streptococci cause smallpox. Two siblings may be infected with the same streptococcus, one child may develop smallpox and the other child may not.
Symptoms of smallpox?
A sick child with smallpox may have a fever, abdominal pain, vomiting or sore throat. The rash appears two days later, starting from the throat and face while leaving the area around the mouth unaffected. The rash also appears first under the armpits and in the groin. It then extends throughout the body. The rash consists of small red spots which give the impression of velvet. Disappears if pressed by hand. Around the joints in children with smallpox you may notice red lines, called Pastia point. The rash lasts 4-5 days and gradually disappears peeling the skin. The tongue in children with smallpox is white at first, then it turns crimson and its surface resembles the surface of a strawberry so it is called a whitish tongue. The tonsils of a child with smallpox are red and covered with pus. Also the glands in the throat may be swollen.
Scallop incubation time
The time it takes for a child who came in contact with the germ to develop smallpox is 2-7 days.
When does the sick child transmit the germ with smallpox?
The sick child with smallpox transmits the germ through the secretions of the nose or throat. A child can also become infected if they come in contact with the infected person's skin with an infectious wax (streptococcal skin infection) or if they share the same towel or other clothing with the sick child.
How long does smallpox last?
The fever in a child with smallpox usually subsides in 3-4 days. The smallpox rash disappears in 5-6 days. The remission of the smallpox rash is followed by the peeling of the skin, which lasts 5-10 days.
Smallpox complications?
The main complications of smallpox are:
1. Rheumatic fever (affects the joints, heart).
2. Abscess around the tonsils.
Smallpox treatment - Tips for parents
Parents, follow these tips to help your sick child with smallpox:
Antipyretics, preferably paracetamol for fever.
• Make sure that the sick child with smallpox does not come into close contact with the rest of the family, especially if there are babies.
• Do not let others use the child's personal belongings with smallpox.
• Wash your hands carefully when caring for a sick child.
• Give your child plenty of fluids, soft foods because these children usually have difficulty swallowing.
• If the child is old, he can gargle with an antiseptic medicine.
• Make sure the child is taking the antibiotic recommended by the pediatrician.
• You should definitely visit your child's pediatrician, who may ask for some tests (such as culture of tonsil secretions) to confirm the presence of the germ. Along with the antibiotic he may prescribe some skin care medications.
Source: paidiatros.com