COWPOX Meaning and
Definition
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Cowpox is a viral infection that primarily affects cattle, caused by the cowpox virus (CPV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus family. It is characterized by the formation of lesions or sores on the skin of affected animals. The virus is usually transmitted to humans through close contact with infected cows or other animals that have contracted the infection, such as cats or rodents.
In humans, cowpox typically manifests as a localized cutaneous infection. The initial symptoms include flu-like signs, such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. After a few days, small red bumps develop on the skin, which later progress into raised blisters or sores. These lesions can be painful and may be surrounded by inflammation. In some cases, the infection may also involve the lymph nodes, causing swelling and tenderness in the affected area.
Historically, cowpox is significant as it paved the way for modern smallpox vaccination. It was discovered that people who had been infected with cowpox were immune to smallpox, leading to the development of the first vaccine by Edward Jenner in the late 18th century. This breakthrough marked a crucial turning point in the eradication of smallpox, a devastating disease that claimed numerous lives throughout history. Today, due to the global success of vaccination programs, cowpox is extremely rare, with only sporadic cases reported in humans.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for COWPOX
Etymology of COWPOX
The word "cowpox" is derived from the combination of two words: "cow" and "pox".
The term "cow" refers to the animal from which the disease initially got transmitted to humans. The history of cowpox dates back to the late 18th century when Edward Jenner, an English physician, discovered that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox were immune to smallpox. Cowpox got its name because it was commonly observed in cows, particularly in their udders and teats.
The word "pox" originally derived from the Latin term "pustula", meaning a blister or pustule. Pox was a broad term used to describe various diseases characterized by skin eruptions or pustules. Smallpox, for example, is caused by a different virus but was often referred to as a type of "pox" due to its similar symptoms.
Similar spelling words for COWPOX
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