The document provides a comprehensive overview of smallpox, a contagious and deadly disease caused by the variola virus, highlighting its history, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, and epidemiology. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980 due to a global immunization campaign, with vaccination being the primary treatment method, as there is no known cure for the disease. It details the clinical manifestations, types (variola major and minor), and emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the virus.