Which virus is associated with ectromelia and a generalized body rash in mice that survive infection?

• A. Minute virus of mice
• B. Sendai virus
• C. Mouse norovirus
• D. Mousepox

Answer: (D)

Mousepox is caused by ectromelia virus, a poxvirus that can cause a systemic infection in mice with vesicular skin lesions that may be widespread, leading to a generalized body rash. In survivors, healing after the rash is common as the infection runs its course and immunity develops. This presentation is distinct from the other viruses: minute virus of mice is a parvovirus typically not associated with a generalized rash; Sendai virus causes respiratory disease rather than skin lesions; and mouse norovirus leads to gastroenteritis rather than systemic rash. So the described association points to mousepox.