It is more common in children between the ages of one and ten years old. The condition has become more common in the United States since 1966. But having an infection is not a reason to keep a child out of school or daycare. Signs and symptoms
Molluscum contagiosum lesions are flesh-colored, dome-shaped, and pearly in appearance. They are often 1–5 mm in diameter, with a dimpled center. Molluscum lesions are most commonly found on the face, arms, legs, torso, and armpits in children. Adults typically have molluscum lesions in the genital region and this is considered to be a sexually transmitted infection; because of this, if genital lesions are found on a child, sexual abuse should be suspected. These lesions are generally not painful, but they may itch or become irritated. Picking or scratching the bumps may lead to a spread of the viral infection responsible for molluscum contagiosum, an additional bacterial infection, and scarring. In some cases, eczema develops around the lesions.Individual molluscum lesions may go away on their own within two months and generally clear completely without treatment or scarring in six to twelve months. Mean durations for an outbreak are variously reported from eight to about 18 months, but durations are reported as widely as six months to five years, lasting longer in immunosuppressed individuals. Transmission
As the name implies, molluscum contagiosum is extremely contagious.
Symptoms
Sheep
Infected sheep experience sunburn at face, ears, teats and vulva. It is the primary symptom of the poisoning caused by sporidesmin. The sunburn is caused by the fact that the lower tissue is swollen. The skin gets crusty, dark and then peels,. making it susceptible to infection. Other symptoms include dullness, weakness, inappetence, and ill-thrift. An affection of the liver results in jaundice. In a worst-case, the sheep die. Cattle
Infected cattle suffer from sunburn. Dark pigmented skin is often affected. Cattle produce less milk. Jaundice is possible and death after some months. Treatment
Convalescence can take a long time, but some animals may not get healthy. External therapy is possible to treat the sunburn. Animals could be protected by the intake of zinc. Zinc reacts with sporidesmin to create a metallic complex, so that the poison can be eliminated from the body. Prevention and control
If animals are sunburned, they should be placed in the stable to protect them from sunlight. Infected cattle should no longer be used in milk production.Reduce flock density (0.45 hectare/ 15 cows or 100 sheep)GGT (enzyme) is released by the damaged liver over the course of this disease and can be tested to indicate disease severity. == References ==