Investigating Monkeypox in the Wild recent monkeypox outbreak in pet prairie A dogs led to the first recorded human case of the disease in the U.S. The outbreak has USGS scientists concerned the disease may spread to wild rodent populations.

Monkeypox is a contagious orthopox Monkeypox Background virus related to smallpox. Its arrival in the U.S. from Africa in the Spring of Monkeypox is a disease native to Africa Most human monkeypox cases were traced back 2003 prompted the U.S. Geological that affects rodents such as squirrels to pet prairie dogs Survey (USGS) to launch a study to and mice, but other species are also determine if the disease infected wildlife susceptible, including a wide variety of and include swollen lymph nodes, populations. primates. The outbreak in 2003 marks fever, sore throat, chills, blisters, and the first time it was found in non-primate skin lesions. Animals suspected of USGS wildlife scientists became species in North America. being infected should be quarantined concerned the virus may have spread immediately and local health officials from infected pets or humans to wild Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, should be contacted. animals. If monkeypox were to escape meaning humans can become infected into the wild, it could potentially find from an animal carrier. In Africa, The disease appears to have first come a reservoir in mice, squirrels, or other monkeypox is endemic, outbreaks occur to the U.S. through infected Gambian rodent populations. sporadically, and human-to-human giant rats from Africa that were housed transmission of the virus is documented. together with several prairie dogs. The USGS researchers, together with U.S. No reliable evidence exists to support prairie dogs were then sold or traded as Department of Agriculture (USDA) human-to-human transmission of the pets throughout the Midwest. However, Wildlife Services in Wisconsin and virus in the U.S. Researchers believe the CDC has stated that any one of Illinois as well as the Wisconsin monkeypox spreads through bites nearly 300 animals from 9 different Laboratory of Hygiene, investigated from infected carriers or contact with species may be responsible for the wild populations of rodents in areas a carrier’s blood and skin lesions, and outbreak. where cases of monkeypox were that interhuman transmission of the reported. In 9 Wisconsin and Illinois monkeypox virus is relatively inefficient. The CDC issued an embargo on locations, scientists trapped 237 animals, importing African rodents, as well as the representing 14 species, and tested them Currently no specific treatment for transportation, sale, or trade of prairie for monkeypox virus and monkeypox monkeypox exists. However, the dogs and certain African rodents within virus specific antibodies; all were smallpox vaccine can effectively prevent the U.S. The agency also instructed that negative. contraction of the disease. The Centers all of the animals on the original import for Disease Control and Prevention shipment—over 750 animals—be (CDC) recommends smallpox destroyed, and their premises disinfected immunization for health care workers in to prevent the disease from developing close contact with the virus. in wild rodents. The CDC reported over 80 suspected human monkeypox cases under Additional information can be found at investigation in 6 different states the first the Centers for Disease Control at month the outbreak was discovered in http://www.cdc.gov the U.S. In July 2003, the CDC released its final monkeypox case report, in which it stated that 37 of all suspected monkeypox cases were laboratory For more information concerning monkeypox confirmed. No human monkeypox research please contact Dr. Christoper Brand,

Photo courtesy CDC fatalities were recorded in the U.S. USGS, (608) 270-2440, or Paul Slota, USGS, Monkeypox lesions on a child’s hand and leg in Symptoms of monkeypox are similar to (608) 270-2420 Liberia those of smallpox, though less severe,

U.S. Department of the Interior Printed on recycled paper Factsheet 2004-3003 U.S. Geological Survey July 2004