Transmission electron micrograph (TEM), tinted yellow, of the acutely infectious smallpox virus (medical name Variola), causing high fever and spots which quickly develop into pustules. The virus is transmitted by droplets of sputum (coughed up saliva & mucous) or pus from the skin pocks of an infected person. Most patients recover, although complications such as pneumonia may cause fatality. An attack confers near life- long immunity. Immunization has all but eradicated the disease, although pockets of resistance remain. This specimen is from a recent English patient. Magnification: X 17,000 at 35mm size. Original is BW print M050/016.