About Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is usually found only rainforest areas of central and west Africa. It is a viral disease that was first detected in monkeys and can also infect humans, rabbits and rodents.
Monkeypox causes an illness much like smallpox in humans, although it is less serious and less infectious. The illness begins with fever, aches, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue, followed by a raised pustular rash. The illness generally lasts anywhere from 2-4 weeks and is usually not fatal, although rare fatalities have been reported from monkeypox in Africa.
Monkeypox can be transmitted from animals to humans through bites or contact with body fluids or lesions on infected animals. Transmission among people can occur via direct contact with lesions or body fluids as well as respiratory droplets, although monkeypox is much less contagious than smallpox and direct contact is the most common route of transmission.
Symptoms to Report to Your Veterinarian or Doctor
The first exposures to infected or sick animals in this outbreak are thought to have occurred on or after April 15, 2003. If you have acquired a mammalian pet since that date that is now ill, or any of your pets have had exposure to an ill pet since then, be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox. If you have a pet that has become ill since the middle of April and has symptoms consistent with monkeypox (see below), it is important to contact your veterinarian and public health authorities. If you think your pet may have monkeypox, it is extremely important to let your veterinarian know this before you go to the clinic, so the vet can take measures to prevent spread to other patients or the staff at the clinic.
In rodents and rabbits, monkeypox infection generally starts out with symptoms of a respiratory infection such as nasal discharge, conjunctivitis (red, runny eyes), cough, fever and lethargy. These symptoms are usually followed by the development of a nodular rash, which may be hard to see under the fur but can usually be felt as bumps on the skin. Pneumonia may occur as well, and the infection is sometimes fatal.
In non-human primates, monkeypox is characterized primarily by a rash consisting of papules anywhere from 1-4 mm in diameter, mostly occurring on the palms of the hands, but sometimes also on the trunk and tail. Sometimes ulcers may be present in the mouth. If you have a pet primate with these symptoms contact your vet and health department.
If you have had contact with a prairie dog or other potentially affected pet and you are experiencing any of the symptoms of monkeypox infection such as fever, aches, fatigue or rash (see above) call your doctor and the local health department immediately. Again, it is important to call ahead and report your symptoms before going to a doctor so appropriate infection control measures can be taken.