Let me start by introducing myself; my name is Variola. It is a latin name, so most people just call me "Smallpox". I'm not going to lie to you, I am a horrible friend. I tend to keep you all to myself during our time together. I am highly contagious and only like to hang around with humans, as other mammals scare me. I can attack you in 2 forms: Variola major and Variola minor.

Variola major owns my more devilish qualities. In this form I tend to kill about 35% of those I get tied up with. Now, if me and you are to become friends, you should probably request that I give you my brighter side, Variola minor. This way, you only have a 1% chance of our friendship ending in death - to you. In the 20th century, I was responsible for up to 500 million fatalities.

If, after my wrath, you survive, I make sure that I have left my mark. You'll be very lucky to forget about our little fling, as in most cases I leave you with scars known as "potmarks". And I'm merciless when it comes to that. I don't mind leaving them anywhere and everywhere on your body, including your face. If you are even luckier, I will simply leave you blind so that you do not have to look at your scarred body in the mirror everyday. I do this through "corneal ulcerations", which is not in the least bit enjoyable for you.

After telling you this story my message should be clear; STAY AWAY! If you see me coming, pretend as if you didn't notice, and walk slowly in the other direction.

Yours truly,

Variola