A doctor reviews an episode of the TV show "House M.D." where the main character, Dr. House, deals with a potential case of smallpox. The doctor criticizes the show's portrayal of medical procedures and diagnoses, pointing out inaccuracies and unrealistic scenarios. The episode's plot involves a patient who is suspected of having smallpox, but the doctor notes that the show's depiction of the disease and its symptoms is not entirely accurate. The doctor also criticizes Dr. House's unorthodox methods and lack of attention to proper medical protocols. Ultimately, the patient is diagnosed with Rickettsialpox, a mild and self-limiting disease, rather than smallpox. The doctor concludes by highlighting the importance of accurate medical portrayals in media and the potential risks of spreading misinformation.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Smallpox was eradicated over 30 years ago.
2. Smallpox doesn't exist outside of P4 labs and bioweapon plants.
3. There are only four labs or locations in the world that have samples of smallpox for testing.
4. Smallpox samples are limited due to the fear of bioterrorism.
5. Smallpox was eradicated from the world after the development of the smallpox vaccine.
6. The last person to die of smallpox was Janet Parker in 1978.
7. Janet Parker worked at a university in England and died after being exposed to smallpox virus that floated up through the vents from a research lab.
8. The person in charge of the lab where Janet Parker was exposed to smallpox killed himself after her death.
9. Variola is the virus that causes smallpox.
10. Smallpox is exclusive to humans.
11. Rickettsialpox is a mild, self-limited zoonotic febrile illness characterized by a scar formation at the location of a mite bite.
12. Rickettsialpox occurs primarily in urban areas where the density of mites, mice, and humans is high.
13. Rickettsialpox was first identified in 1946 in New York City.
14. There have been approximately 14 reported cases of Rickettsialpox since 2007.
15. Scars (dead tissue) are a common symptom of Rickettsialpox, but not smallpox.
16. Doxycycline is a treatment for Rickettsialpox.