Cowpox

Family – Poxviridae Orthopoxvirus cowpox virus A disease rarely infectious in humans, mostly found in Great Britain. Over half its victims have been children, due to their close contact with animals. Infection by the virus provokes the same immune response as an infection by smallpox, a discovery leading to its use as the first vaccine by Edward Jenner, who infected a young, English boy with first the cowpox virus in 1796 (obtained from an infected milkmaid), followed by the smallpox virus. Due to the astounding memory of the immune system, the child remained free from smallpox disease. Widespread use of the vaccine began soon after.

 

 

Attacks are generally swift

       and brief after contact with an

infected cat or cow. The virus

enters through broken skin and

causes lesions at the site of

infection. Scarring may occur

from the lesions. No cases have

occurred in the US. The disease

is generally confined to Europe

and Northern Africa.

           

            Due to the relatively benign

       characteristics of the pathogen,

       cowpox has only been used as a

       vaccine against the more severe

Vaccination! Let the world take a vaccication from smallpox!

pox virus, smallpox. Cases of

cowpox can be avoided by:

- avoiding contact with lesions

on cats and cows.

- avoiding contact with Edward

Jenner’s infectious experiments.