Smallpox is a contagious disease caused by the variola virus.
The disease was eliminated globally as a result of vaccination, with the last naturally occurring case occurring in 1977.
Smallpox was transmitted from person-to-person through contact with smallpox sores and through coughing or sneezing.
Local information
2025 Statistics
Incidence rate is the number of new cases of disease divided by the number of persons at risk for the disease during a particular time period.
Cases:
0*
*Includes confirmed cases in 2025
Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2025: 0
Incidence rate per 100,000 of smallpox by year
Data sources |
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More information about smallpox |
Reporting |
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Report to the Health Unit immediately by fax (705-482-0670) and phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if smallpox is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7. After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 705-474-1400 then press 0 to speak with the Answering Service. The on-call CDC Public Health Nurse will get back to you as soon as possible. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have smallpox? |
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Contact the Health Unit. Exclusion is required, but the length is assessed on an individual case basis. |
Vaccine information |
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Smallpox is preventable by vaccination. Check your vaccination records or call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252 to book a vaccination appointment or to obtain additional information. |
Healthcare provider information |
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Public Health Ontario: Smallpox Merck Manual Professional Version: Smallpox Infectious Disease Protocol, Appendix 1: Smallpox and other Orthopoxviruses Public Health Agency of Canada: Smallpox and Mpox Vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide Public Health Agency of Canada Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances - Variola Virus |
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: May 2026, by CDC