Black pox is a severe and often fatal symptom of smallpox characterized by bleeding under the skin, giving it a blackened or charred appearance. This presentation was a very ominous sign during smallpox outbreaks.
In essence, black pox represented one of the most dangerous manifestations of smallpox, indicating a high likelihood of death for the afflicted individual. The hemorrhagic nature of this form of the disease, resulting in widespread subcutaneous bleeding, created the distinctive and alarming blackened skin appearance.
