Tanapox Infection in a College Student

Abstract

Tanapox infection is a poxvirus infection that is endemic to equatorial Africa. It begins with a febrile prodrome that is soon followed by the eruption of one or more large, superficial nodules, typically on the extremities. Complete recovery after several weeks is the rule, and there are no known permanent sequelae other than a scar at the site of infection. Although the disease is not uncommon in certain parts of Africa, only four previous cases have been reported in the United States. We describe a college student who acquired the disease while working with orphaned chimpanzees in Africa. We also review the important clinical, epidemiologic, diagnostic, and histopathological features to consider in the diagnosis of tanapox infection.