OMAHA -- With the nation on terror alert and increased talk about the possible use of biological or chemical weapons, the University of Nebraska Medical Center is sponsoring a free educational series on smallpox.

The series, called "Smallpox: What You Need to Know," begins Thursday at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at UNMC at 42nd and Dewey streets and will also be broadcast via satellite to 12 locations across the state.

Though smallpox, a potentially deadly virus, was considered eradicated in 1980, government and medical officials are concerned about its possible resurgence as a biological weapon.

The renewed concern over smallpox has prompted state and federal officials to again begin vaccinating against the virus. So far, vaccinations have focused on those who would be first emergency responders who would be called to care for victims should a smallpox outbreak occur.

Dr. Dan Mazour of Franklin, Neb., is one of those getting immunized. He said he practices in a 15-bed hospital in rural south-central Nebraska.

Mazour said caregivers -- especially ones on small staffs such as his -- must ensure they're healthy so they can take care of others in the case of a biological attack.

UNMC said smallpox is a virus with symptoms of fever and a progressive skin rash.

Thursday night's forum is one of a three-part series.

Link:UNMC Smallpox Forum Page