Pandemics and epidemics are diseases that affect many people around the world. They cause millions of deaths and leave many people sick. Most epidemics are contagious and spread very quickly. One type of epidemic is the Variola virus. The Variola virus is better known as smallpox. It owes its nickname to the small blisters that appear on the face and arms. Smallpox is believed to have originated in Egypt or northeast Africa about 10,000 years ago. It soon reached Asia during the Middle Ages and reached Europe in 700 AD. In 18th century Europe it killed approximately 400,000 people per year. It killed around 300 million people in the 20th century alone. This disease also led to the fall of the Aztec Empire and the death of many royal figures from France, Russia, and other countries. Most people don't know this, but there are four types of smallpox viruses: variola major, variola minor, hemorrhagic smallpox, and malignant smallpox. Variola major kills 30% of people infected with the disease while variola minor kills only 1% of infected people. Hemorrhagic smallpox causes organs...