Cat pox B08.0

Smallpox disease (see below pox viruses) of cats, which rarely occurs in humans in an attenuated form.

Orthopoxvirus. Pathogen reservoir: rodents (e.g. rats). S.u. poxviruses.

Transmission of the virus from cats to humans. Reservoir are mostly rodents. Inoculation mostly via skin lesions.

Hands or fingers (about 50% of cases); face or neck (about 30% of cases).

Integument: Predominantly only one primary lesion (72% of cases). Usually begins as a reddened spot. Within 7-14 days formation of hemorrhagic nodules surrounded by pustules, possibly ulceration. After 6-8 weeks scarred healing.

Extracutaneous manifestations: lymphangitis, febrile general symptoms.

1. Fölster-Holst R (2018) Further viral diseases in dermatology. In: G. Plewig et al.(Hrsg) Braun-Falc0`s Dermatoloogy, Venerology and Allergology, Springer Reference Medicine p.129

2. Steinborn A et al (2003) Human cowpox/catpox infection.
   A potentially unrecognized disease. German Med Weekly 128:607-610.