Preparing for smallpox: occupational health nursing update.

Smallpox has plagued humans for thousands of years. Although smallpox has been eliminated as an active disease in humans, there is a threat that terrorist organizations or nations could use smallpox as a weapon against the population of the United States. The U.S. government has recognized this threat and has asked the CDC to prepare for such a possibility. A plan to identify, treat, and vaccinate the population in any area of the country where an outbreak of smallpox might occur has been developed and is being implemented. The CDC plan calls for rapid response by local, state, and federal response teams. Preparation of these teams is currently underway. Parts of the CDC plan, including educating and screening individuals who may be part of the response teams, vaccinating personnel, and following up with the vaccinated personnel, are activities consistent with the occupational health nurse's role.