Isn't it eradicated?
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared smallpox
eradicated in 1980, this contagious and deadly disease caused by
the Variola virus remains high on the list of possible bio-terror
threats.
The danger of recurrence is clear and present.
It would be very simple to use the virus as a weapon. Natural
sources of smallpox virus include UN repositories, archived
laboratory specimens, mutation of a related poxvirus and
resurrection of the virus outside labs. Intentional release might
result from unauthorized acquisition from UN repositories,
offensive state programs or laboratory genetic synthesis.
These potential sources demonstrate that the dangers of a
re-emergent smallpox virus are real and an urgent response is
required.
