The American journal of case reports
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BACKGROUND Orf, also known as ecthyma contagiosum, is a zoonotic disease caused by a parapox virus, which is endemic in goats and sheep but rare in camels. Orf is usually transmitted to humans who are in contact with infected animals. The clinical manifestation of the disease and a personal history of contact with an infected animal are sufficient to diagnose orf virus infection. ⋯ We believe this is the first report of orf transmission from a camel to a human. CONCLUSIONS All physicians should consider this disease as a differential diagnosis in any patient who has a history of contact with camels. Although orf is a self-limiting condition, its early clinical recognition is critical to avoid complications, unwarranted psychological stress, and unnecessary surgical intervention.