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- Title
Prevention of Vaccinia Infection in a Laboratory Worker.
- Authors
Peate, Wayne F.
- Abstract
Because smallpox may be a weapon, immunization programs have been restarted and research continues with vaccinia (smallpox vaccine). Ocular complications occur in 5 to 9% of those who contract smallpox and in 10 to 20 per million vaccinia recipients through self-inoculation or from contact with vaccinated individuals. Both variola virus (smallpox) and vaccinia virus (smallpox vaccine) are orthopoxviruses that can cause conjunctival and eyelid infections, cornea ulceration, keratitis, iritis, optic neuritis, and loss of vision. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for smallpox vaccine-associated reactions in vaccinia researchers, the immunized, and their close contacts. A researcher sprayed vaccinia in her eye. Timely irrigation may have prevented a viral infection. The possibility that this individual had self-immunized herself with smallpox vaccine via the conjunctiva and preventive measures are discussed. Greater precautionary measures need to be taken to prevent laboratory accidents. Antiviral ophthalmic medication and vaccinia-immune globulin medication are treatment options.
- Subjects
SMALLPOX; VACCINIA; SMALLPOX vaccines; OCULAR manifestations of general diseases; RESEARCH personnel; LABORATORY accidents; OPHTHALMIC drugs; GLOBULINS; THERAPEUTICS
- Publication
Military Medicine, 2007, Vol 172, Issue 10, p1117
- ISSN
0026-4075
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.7205/MILMED.172.10.1117