University of Ky is testing new smallpox vax

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Not sure what to make of this but I am not thrilled http://www.wbir.com/news/health/stor...=63050&catid=3

[AutumnNoelle]

I posted a comment.

[milkybean]

I thought smallpox had been eradicated!!!??????




Sorry about the laughter, it's not really funny, but the eradication of it seems to be such a big deal with pro-vaxers, and to find out that it's not REALLY gone just cracks me up. I never believed it was, so it's amusing to me.

Sigh.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

The article mentions germ warfair as the reason for it but still. They are experamenting on the effects to those with severe eczema and having a dd with eczema that really upsets me.

[Calidris]

The say they are looking at this version because it does not leave the pock scar that the old one did.

But I think, if smallpox ever did come back (through germ warfare or other wise) the scar would be the last of my concerns, if I decided to give that vax.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

:

[taterbug1999]

I am from Ky and read a mag that is for Ky stuff specifically the other day and in it they also said either UK or Uof L is working on a new more potent HPV vax to cover more strains more cheaply than Gardasil......uggghh :

[kate3]

The article mentions germ warfair as the reason for it but still.

Unfortunately, that is the reason. Smallpox virus still exists in two places in the world: CDC in Atlanta and one lab in Russia. Among people who study bioterrorism, smallpox is thought to be a likely agent. It carries a high morbidity and mortality rate, and because the last known case was in 1977, it's fairly safe to assume that a large portion of the world population has zero immunity.

The release of smallpox for bioterrorism purposes could be absolutely devastating. Let's all hope it never happens.