Small Pox was and is a dreaded disease which at one time wiped out large numbers of people in many countries. It is believed that it has been eliminated in the greater part of the world. It is  also a disease that had religious connotations in India as the curse of goddess Kali. Pujas and sacrifices were offered to seek her blessing and a reprieve from this disease. There was also a fear that this disease could form part of a germ warfare strategy. It is no longer considered to be a live threat. This  disease is caused by a virus and manifests itself as blisters all over the body. These blisters or “pocks” (hence the name) are filled with pus and topped by a crust. It is highly contagious and is spread through secretions from nose and throat – through sneezing, coughs, spit – and so mere personal contact or proximity helps spread the disease. Isolation is the key.It was the practice to inject the small pox vaccine to prevent the infection but in the absence of reports of small pox infection this practice has ceased. However, one assumes that stocks of vaccine are still available in case of need.