Vaccinia virus infections in martial arts gym, Maryland, USA, 2008

Emerg Infect Dis. 2011 Apr;17(4):730-3. doi: 10.3201/eid1704.101010.

Abstract

Vaccinia virus is an orthopoxvirus used in the live vaccine against smallpox. Vaccinia virus infections can be transmissible and can cause severe complications in those with weakened immune systems. We report on a cluster of 4 cases of vaccinia virus infection in Maryland, USA, likely acquired at a martial arts gym.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Hemagglutination, Viral / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Male
  • Maryland
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Skin / pathology
  • Smallpox Vaccine / adverse effects
  • Smallpox Vaccine / standards
  • Vaccinia / immunology
  • Vaccinia / transmission*
  • Vaccinia / virology
  • Vaccinia virus / genetics
  • Vaccinia virus / immunology
  • Vaccinia virus / physiology*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Smallpox Vaccine