Human orf. A diagnostic consideration?

A viral infection of the hand commonly seen after the feast of sacrifice: human orf (orf of the hand)

“…It has been reported in professional workers such as shepherds, sheepshearers and individuals bottle-feeding motherless lambs, butchers, abattoir workers and veterinary surgeons [2]. The hands are the most common site of orf, with other sites such as the face only occasionally being involved [4].…”

Occupational Head‐Butting and Skin Nodules

“…The diagnosis of Orf in humans is usually clinical and, therefore, physicians must be aware of the natural progression of the lesions to avoid misdiagnosis or harmful intervention. The incubation period varies from three days to four weeks (3,6). Six stages of Orf infection have been described by Leavell et al (1).…”

“…Systemic effects, including lymphangitis, lymphadenitis and fever, are uncommon (1,3,4,6). Lesions are most often solitary, and occur on the hands of people who have been in contact with sheep or goats (1-7).…”

Orf Infection of the Hand

“…9 Case series from Canada and Israel showed that bottlefeeding of orphan lambs is an important form of transmission in these countries. 10,11 Other animal species can be cross-infected, and orf infection of the hand can be sustained from a cat scratch. 12 …”