Should people with medical conditions work with animals infected with Orf?
– Most medical conditions do not affect the immune system enough to prevent your body from fighting off the Orf virus on its own. However, if you have an autoimmune disease (e.g. Lupus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis), a transplanted organ, are taking chemotherapy for cancer or are taking corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone), you should talk to your primary care provider about potentially avoiding animal contact. People with these medical conditions have weakened immune systems and the Orf virus can cause a serious infection. 15. For more information about Orf: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/orf_virus/ This fact sheet provides general information. Please contact your physician and/or veterinarian for specific clinical information related to you or your animal.
