Smallpox vicitim
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KAMPALA- The government is set to announce protective guidelines of smallpox to avoid it spreading in schools.  Suspected cases of smallpox in Uganda and chickenpox were reported since last month by the world health organization-WHO.

Smallpox is a serious, contagious and sometimes fatal infectious disease. There is no specific treatment and the only prevention is vaccination.

The most severe and common form of smallpox, variola major, causes extensive rash and higher fever, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Smallpox can be confused with chickenpox, a worldwide infection in children that is rarely dangerous.

Past experience with these types of reports usually reveals an outbreak of chickenpox or other pox viruses, said a posting on the newspaper report by the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases, or ProMED. The International Society for Infectious Disease operates the internet tracking service.

Chickenpox lesions initially appear on the trunk or face while the deeper smallpox lesions initially tend to appear on the face and extremities. Smallpox lesions are commonly found on the palms and soles, but those areas are rarely involved in chickenpox, the CDC said.

Schools this week reopened for the academic third term amidst a smallpox outbreak. Ismael Mulindwa, Director of Basic and Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, says that this disease is more dangerous than COVID-19 which needs proper health measures in schools.

In an interview with this publication, Mulindwa urges school managers to remain vigilant amidst concerns over smallpox outbreaks. 

“It is reported in several areas, that is why we are scared that it could infiltrate our schools. This is the reason, by tomorrow; we will be releasing the guidelines to be followed. These guidelines should be followed well. This disease is very dangerous that is why we have chosen to go with prevention that is better than cure. Mulindwa said.