what is smallpox and where did it come from
Smallpox is an acute contagious disease caused by the variola virus. It gets its name from the Latin word for spotted, referring to the raised, pustular bumps that break out over the face and body of those affected.Historically the virus killed around 30 percent of people who caught it.arly Victims. Smallpox is thought to have originated in India or Egypt at least 3,000 years ago. The earliest evidence for the disease comes from the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses V, who died in 1157 B.C. His mummified remains show telltale pockmarks on his skin.