Can humans become infected with the bluetongue virus?

Humans cannot be infected with the bluetongue virus. The bluetongue virus is specific to ruminants, such as sheep, goats and cattle. The disease is caused by a virus and is transmitted through the bite of infected midges. These are small blood-sucking insects.

Sheep are most susceptible to the disease, but other ruminants such as cattle and deer can also become infected. Symptoms in animals include fever, swelling of the tongue (which can turn it blue), mouth ulcers, lameness, and in severe cases, death.

The virus is not contagious to humans. There is no risk to human health, even from contact with infected animals or consumption of products from these animals.

Source: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/bluetongue

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-20 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024