Virus Readings & "The Demon In The Freezer" Quiz

The word virus in Latin can be translated as "poison" or "poisons". This suggests that in Latin, the term virus was used to refer to something harmful or toxic.

Smallpox is caused by the variola virus and is a highly contagious disease that only affects humans. It is characterized by a fever, rash, and the formation of fluid-filled blisters all over the body. Smallpox has been responsible for numerous outbreaks and epidemics throughout history, causing significant morbidity and mortality. However, due to a successful global vaccination campaign, smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980, making it the first disease to be eradicated by human effort.

The use of smallpox as a biological weapon refers to the intentional deployment of the smallpox virus as a means to harm or kill individuals. This form of weaponization poses a significant threat as smallpox is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and death. The mention of it being able to "come back and haunt us" suggests that the use of smallpox as a biological weapon could have long-lasting and devastating consequences for society.

The correct answer is "variola." Smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus. The scientific name for smallpox is variola, which refers to the genus of viruses that cause the disease. Anthrax, cytokines, and poison are not related to smallpox and do not represent its scientific name.

The smallpox virus was highly contagious and had a high mortality rate. It is estimated that around 30% of the people who contracted smallpox died from the disease. This high death rate made smallpox one of the deadliest diseases in history. The virus caused severe symptoms such as high fever, body rash, and fluid-filled blisters, leading to complications and death in many cases. The development of a smallpox vaccine and global vaccination campaigns eventually led to the eradication of the disease in 1980.

Zirus has developed a technology that targets the human cells infected by viruses instead of directly attacking the viruses themselves. This approach suggests that Zirus focuses on developing treatments or interventions that specifically target the host cells affected by viral infections, potentially aiming to disrupt the virus's ability to replicate or cause harm within the human body. By targeting human cells, Zirus may be able to develop more effective and targeted therapies to combat viral infections.

Smallpox is believed to have originated in Egypt at least 3,000 years ago. This is based on historical evidence and archaeological findings that suggest the presence of smallpox in ancient Egypt. The disease then likely spread to other regions through trade routes and human migration. The answer choice "Egypt; 3,000" aligns with this understanding of the origins of smallpox.

The statement is true because the smallpox virus has indeed been eradicated. Smallpox was a highly contagious and deadly disease that caused significant suffering and death throughout history. However, through a global vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization, smallpox was successfully eradicated in 1980. This achievement marked the first and only time that a human disease has been eradicated. Today, smallpox no longer exists in the natural world, and the only known remaining samples of the virus are stored in highly secure laboratories for research purposes.

The scientific name for smallpox is Variola, which is derived from the Latin word "varus" meaning "pimple" or "blotchy pimple." This name accurately describes the characteristic skin rash that is associated with smallpox, consisting of raised, red, and pustular lesions. The term "blotchy pimples" encompasses the appearance of the smallpox rash, making it the most suitable meaning for the scientific name.