How can smallpox spread from one person to another?

Smallpox spreads through close contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets, which are produced when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread through contact with infected surfaces or objects.

Here are the most common ways that smallpox spreads:

* Direct contact: Smallpox can spread when an infected person's skin or mucous membranes (e.g., the inside of the nose or mouth) come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes of another person. This can happen during activities such as kissing, hugging, or sharing personal items like razors or towels.

* Droplet transmission: Smallpox can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and another person inhales the respiratory droplets that contain the smallpox virus. These droplets can also land on surfaces or objects, where they can survive for up to 24 hours. If another person touches the contaminated surface or object and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can also become infected with smallpox.

* Indirect contact: Smallpox can also spread through indirect contact with an infected person's clothing, bedding, or other personal items. For example, if an infected person touches something like a doorknob or piece of furniture and another person then touches the same object, they can also become infected with smallpox.