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Camelpox and its risk to the human population
Journal of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Microbiology, and Immunology
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Camelpox causes significant economic losses in camels. Human infection with camelpox is extremely rare, despite close contact between infected camels and herdsmen.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Virology
Background:
- Camelpox poses a significant economic threat to camel populations due to high mortality and reduced productivity.
- The disease presents in severe (young animals) and mild (older animals) forms, with male camels experiencing higher morbidity and mortality.
- Previous literature suggests potential human transmission, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the economic impact of camelpox.
- To investigate the clinical presentation and epidemiological characteristics of camelpox.
- To evaluate the zoonotic potential of camelpox virus.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of affected camels and outbreaks.
- Electron microscopy for poxvirus detection in animal skin specimens.
- Epidemiological surveys and specimen collection from human contacts.
Main Results:
- Camelpox outbreaks resulted in up to 28% case fatality, with 30% of observed outbreaks causing deaths.
- Electron microscopy confirmed poxviruses in diseased animals.
- Despite extensive contact with infected camels, very few human cases were reported, with only one unconfirmed suspected case among 20,000 at-risk individuals.
Conclusions:
- Camelpox is a major economic concern in camel husbandry.
- Human camelpox is exceptionally rare, with limited evidence of transmission from camels to humans.
- Public health measures may not be urgently required for camelpox in humans, but continued surveillance is warranted.