NCJ Number
190374
Journal
Emerging Infectious Diseases Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: 2001 Pages: 1-4
Date Published
2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses strengthening national preparedness for smallpox.
Abstract
Concern that smallpox virus may be used as a biological weapon of mass destruction has prompted calls for production of additional vaccine and new research into variola (smallpox) virus diagnostics and clinical interventions. Recognizing the need for advancements in these areas before variola virus stocks are destroyed, the World Health Organization passed a resolution in 1999 extending the date of destruction of all remaining variola virus stocks until the end of 2001. On September 20, 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention entered into an agreement with OraVax to produce a new smallpox vaccine. Forty million doses of the new vaccine will be produced initially, with anticipated delivery of the first full-scale production lots in 2004. The agreement calls for sustained annual production through 2020 to replace outdated vaccine and allows for increased production should an emergency arise. The paper reviews variola virus research; strain evaluation; serologic assays; nucleic acid-based diagnostics; antiviral drugs; and the search for an animal model that faithfully replicates human smallpox. References