Q. What is the difference between smallpox (variola) and measles?

The Smallpox is a viral infection like measles. The Smallpox is transmitted by respiratory secretions, saliva and objects in contact with contaminated patients. The disease is categorized by the appearance of several vesicles on the skin of the face, trunk and limbs that can suppurate and form crusts; the smallpox complications can lead to death. The Measles is transmitted by saliva drops and respiratory secretions too. It is categorized by exanthems (red spots on the skin), malaise, fever and lymphadenomegaly (enlarged lymphnodes). If not cure measles complications can cause death.

The Smallpox killed thousands of people around the world in the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century but today it is almost eradicated by vaccination. Today however a great fear is the likelihood of use of smallpox virus in biological weapons and by bioterrorists. The Measles isn't eradicated and affects millions of people each year. Both diseases can be curable by vaccination.