WHO/AFRICAN SERIES / WHO-Spx-Dx-Africa05-MedRes

The rash progresses through characteristic stages. On the 1^st day of the rash small dark spots appear which, during the next one or two days, become raised above the skin surface. These pocks are called papules. Fluid gradually accumulates in the papules, forming vesicles. The fluid in the vesicles then becomes cloudy and looks like pus. This pustular stage lasts for a varying period, usually between 7 and 10 days. Gradually the pustules dry up and dark scabs form, which take 1 to 2 weeks to fall off.

The first group of slides shows pictures of patients with smallpox at different stages of the rash.