Because of the danger of transmission of vaccinia, it also should not be given to people in close contact with anyone who has active eczema and who has not been vaccinated.

People with other skin diseases (such as atopic dermatitis, burns, impetigo, or herpes zoster) also have an increased risk of contracting eczema vaccinatum and should not be vaccinated against smallpox.

Therapy has been supportive, such as antibiotics, fluid replacement, antipyretics and analgesics, skin healing, etc.

Antiviral drugs have been examined for activity in pox viruses and cidofovir is believed to display potential in this area.

The child developed the pathognomonic rash which typifies eczema vaccinatum over 80 percent of his body surface area.