Monkeypox, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota

Monkeypox is a rare disease that occurs naturally in the tropical rainforest areas of Western and Central Africa:

• It was first documented in 1958 in a colony of primates (hence the term - Monkeypox).
• The first human case was identified in 1970 in Zaire, who had smallpox-like lesions.
• Most documented human cases occurred among villagers where hunting is integral to village life.
• The natural disease hosts are likely several species of African squirrels.

Clinically in humans, monkeypox is similar to smallpox: 

• The incubation period (time from exposure to disease onset) is between 7 and 15 days.
• Initially, the illness includes fever, headache, muscle aches, non-productive cough, and swollen lymph nodes.
• One to three days after the onset of fever, a rash characterized by raised bumps can appear.
• This rash may last for several weeks.
• It has been reported that the rash is more commonly found on a person s arms and legs.
• Approximately, 1 to 10% of people who become ill may die.
• Most human cases had contact with ill prairie dogs.  

Clinical manifestations in animals include fever, cough, conjunctivitis, swollen lymph nodes, and rash:

• Although primarily a disease of rodents and primates, other mammal species may be susceptible to infection.

Monkeypox is mainly transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal:

• This may include a bite or contact with an infected animal s blood, body fluids, or lesions.
• Person to person transmission can also occur.

General precautions include avoiding contact with ill prairie dogs or Gambian giant rats and thorough handwashing after any animal contact.

Pet owners who suspect that their animal may have monkeypox should contact their veterinarian (please notify your veterinarian before transporting your animal to the clinic, so that appropriate precautions can be taken).

A joint order from the FDA and CDC now prohibits the importation of rodents from Africa and interstate sale of prairie dogs.

Other Sources of Information

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
• Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services www.dhfs.state.wi.us
• University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine www.cvm.umn.edu

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Phone: 612-625-8709; Fax: 612-624-4906