Which treatment would probably not be helpful in treating a case of smallpox?

The reason antiviral drug Ribavirin is not helpful in treating smallpox lies in its mechanism of action and the specific nature of the variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. Ribavirin is an antiviral medication that is effective against specific RNA viruses, but it does not have demonstrated efficacy against DNA viruses, which includes the variola virus. Smallpox treatment focuses on supportive care and, if needed, vaccination. The use of supportive care and intravenous fluids plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and preventing complications associated with the disease. Vaccination, especially when administered before exposure to the virus, is aimed at preventing infection and limiting the spread of the disease but is not effective as a treatment once a person is infected with smallpox. Overall, the treatment approaches for smallpox do not include Ribavirin since it does not target the underlying viral infection effectively.