Lack of Evidence for Schmallenberg Virus Infection in Highly Exposed Persons, Germany, 2012

Abstract

Schmallenberg virus, a novel orthobunyavirus, is spreading among ruminants, especially sheep, throughout Europe. To determine the risk for human infection, we conducted a survey among shepherds to assess possible exposure and symptoms. We also performed serologic and molecular assays. No evidence of transmission to humans was detected.

Keywords

• Orthobunyavirus
• zoonoses
• seroepidemiologic studies
• Schmallenberg virus
• viruses
• vector-borne infections