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Medical Investigation on TV

As seen on "Medical Investigation"
January 14, 2005 | Archive

Smallpox
Smallpox is an acute contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus.

Although a worldwide immunization program eradicated smallpox disease decades ago, small quantities of smallpox virus officially still exist in two research laboratories in Atlanta, Georgia, and in Russia.

The last naturally occurring case of smallpox was reported in 1977. In 1980, the World Health Organization declared that smallpox had been eradicated. Currently, there is no evidence of naturally occurring smallpox transmission anywhere in the world.

Smallpox Research
Research to evaluate new antiviral agents is ongoing. Early results from laboratory studies suggest that the drug cidofovir may fight against the smallpox virus. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has applied to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use the antiviral drug cidofovir as an experimental treatment for smallpox in the event of a bioterrorist-initiated re-emergence.

	Smallpox Overview
	NIAID Biodefense Research Web site
	Clinical Trials for Smallpox Vaccine

NIH Research and You
The NIH funds clinical studies that provide experimental treatment for a wide range of diseases and disorders. To join a clinical trial, search for your condition at www.clinicaltrials.gov and ask your doctor to help you choose the study that's right for you.

For more information about clinical trials, call the NIH at 1-800-411-1222.

Stay Tuned
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	CDC : Our Vital Partner
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the primary Federal agency that dispatches field investigators to resolve public health emergencies. CDC is NIH's sister agency under the Department of Health and Human Services.

	Meet a real NIH medical investigator Occupational Therapist Hanna Hildenbrand
"As an occupational therapist, you need to have a certain level of persistence, patience, frustration tolerance, and creativity in order to problem-solve with the client. They demonstrate such resilience and determination in spite of many challenges and hardships. It has a way of putting your own life challenges in perspective."
> More research careers > Jobs at NIH

This page was last reviewed on January 18, 2005 .

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