Since small pox has been eradicated, the pox virus family no longer is a
major threat to humans. Occasionally, infection with monkey pox, cow
pox, or ORF (contagious pustular dermatitis) may occur. However, the only
other specifically human virus is
molluscum contagiosum, an uncommon skin disease that mainly affects
children and young adults. Lesions which look similar to those caused by
herpes simplex virus are spread by direct skin contact in children and by
sexual transmission in adults. The number of lesions can range from
one to hundreds, and are usually found on the face, scalp, arms, legs,
and genitalia. The incubation period varies
between 14 and 50 days. The disease may last for several months, but is
self-limiting. It occurs worldwide, with higher prevalence in parts of
Zaire and Papua New Guinea.
Created by Jennifer Yuan, Human Biology, Class of 1998
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Last modified: February 17, 1999