Department of Health
John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, Commissioner
Smallpox
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What is smallpox?
Smallpox is a disease caused by variola virus which was feared for centuries because it caused serious illness, disfiguration, and often death. After a successful public health vaccination campaign, it was declared to be eradicated from the world in 1980. Although naturally occurring disease has been eliminated, serious concerns about smallpox are rising again because of its possible use as a bioterrorist weapon.
The Smallpox Fact Sheet has additional information regarding smallpox.
Helpful Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hotline Numbers:
Tennessee Department of Health
(615) 741-7247
TDH Physician Hotline
1 (877) 280-0053
CDC Public Hotline
1-888-246-2675 (English)
1-888-246-2857 (Spanish)
1-866-874-2646 (Hearing Impaired)
CDC Physician Hotline
1-877-554-4625
Governor Bill Haslam
