Respiratory infection due to direct contact with rabbit-skin powder contaminated by vaccinia virus

Abstract

Vaccinia virus infection was diagnosed in five male workers directly exposed to rabbit-skin powder contaminated by vaccinia virus via skin contact and inhalation. Four of the workers had been vaccinated against smallpox. Their clinical symptoms were severe, especially in the lungs; however, all symptoms improved after treatment. Keywords: Vaccinia virus infection, Direct contact, Inhalation