A drug could soon be available that stops smallpox in its tracks. The pill has yet to be tested for safety, but is 100 times more potent than previous candidates for the job. It also destroys other viruses such as herpes. Even before 11 September, bioterrorism experts were worried about our growing vulnerability to smallpox (New Scientist, 3 November 2001, p 6). A single infected person could spark a worldwide outbreak, and the virus kills one in three of its victims. The US is now replenishing its stocks of the vaccine, which can save lives if given within four days of infection.
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