Viral Diseases - TANAPOX

(Benign Epidermal Monkeypox, BEMP)

AGENT:

Tanapox virus.

RESERVOIR AND INCIDENCE:

Monkeys. In 1966 23 human cases were reported in the U.S. among personnel who worked with monkeys affected at 3 primate centers. A serologic study carried out on 263 monkeys of Asian origin (Macaca) revealed a 15% rate; in 55 African Green Monkeys, the rate was 76%.

TRANSMISSION:

Aerosols or vectors. Human cases in the laboratory have resulted from contamination of abrasions or scratches.

DISEASE IN NONHUMAN PRIMATES:

Lesions occur primarily on the face, consisting of raised areas with a central scab. Papules ulcerate, scab and heal.

DISEASE IN HUMANS:

There is a fever for a few days, with headache and prostration and a single skin vesicle. Cytoplasmic inclusions are seen in skin lesions. Within 3 weeks of onset, the lesion spontaneously regresses.

DIAGNOSIS:

EM of skin scrapings or viral isolation.

TREATMENT:

Symptomatic.

PREVENTION/CONTROL:

Mosquito control. Asian and African monkeys should be housed separately. Wear protective clothes.