Q 01/05

Smallpox holds what unique distinction among human diseases?

A) The only one spread purely by touch

B) The only one with no animal host

C) The only one ever eradicated

D) The only one with a 100% death rate

Answer · why

C) The only one ever eradicated

A commission of scientists certified its global eradication in December 1979.

Q 02/05

Smallpox was caused by a virus of which genus?

A) Herpesvirus

B) Orthopoxvirus

C) Flavivirus

D) Enterovirus

Answer · why

B) Orthopoxvirus

Its relatives include cowpox, vaccinia and monkeypox.

Q 03/05

The risk of death from smallpox was roughly what?

A) 30%

B) 3%

C) 10%

D) 60%

Answer · why

A) 30%

Rates were higher among babies, and many survivors were left scarred or blind.

Q 04/05

The characteristic smallpox blister had what distinctive feature?

A) A yellow crust from day one

B) A bluish tint

C) A black ring around it

D) A dent in the centre

Answer · why

D) A dent in the centre

The blisters scabbed over and fell off, leaving the pitted scars known as pockmarks.

Q 05/05

Unlike chickenpox, the smallpox rash usually appeared on which parts of the body?

A) The armpits and groin

B) The palms and soles

C) The eyelids only

D) The scalp and neck

Answer · why

B) The palms and soles

The rash was densest on the face and on the hands and feet rather than the trunk.