MONKEYPOX

Definition
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is found mostly in the rainforest countries of central and west Africa. The disease is called "monkeypox" because it was discovered in laboratory monkeys in 1958. Laboratory studies showed that monkeypox infection also can occur in rats, mice, and rabbits.


Reported in the U.S.
In 1970, monkeypox was identified as the cause of a smallpox-like illness in humans in remote African locations. In early June, 2003, monkeypox was reported among several residents in the United States who became ill after having contact with sick prairie dogs. The prairie dogs may have been infected with the virus by a Gambian giant rat from a pet distributor in Chicago, IL . There have been 37 patients with suspected monkeypox; four have been confirmed by testing in Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois. This is the first evidence of community-acquired monkeypox virus infection in the United States.


Reported in N.J.
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services is investigating a suspected case of monkeypox in an 11-year-old North Jersey boy who was exposed to the virus while out of state. The child is recovering at home and was apparently exposed through contact with 2 prairie dogs owned by a family friend in a Midwestern state. According to NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) regulations, it is illegal to own prairie dogs as pets, or for pet shops to sell prairie dogs, in NJ. If a NJ resident owns a prairie dog they should call NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) at (609) 292-2965 or Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (856) 374-6197.


Cause of Monkeypox
The disease is caused by Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus group of viruses. Other viruses in this group that can cause infection in humans include variola (smallpox), vaccinia (used in smallpox vaccine), and cowpox viruses.


Signs and Symptoms
About 12 days after exposure, the illness begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, a general feeling of discomfort and exhaustion. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after onset of fever the patient develops a rash (i.e., raised bumps). The rash usually occurs first on the face but other parts of the body have been affected in some. The lesions usually develop through several stages before crusting and falling off. The illness typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.


Spread of Monkeypox in Humans
People can get monkeypox from an infected animal through a bite or direct contact with the infected animal's blood, body fluids, or lesions. The disease also can be spread from person to person. The virus is thought to be transmitted by large respiratory droplets during direct and prolonged face-to-face contact. In addition, monkeypox can be spread by direct contact with body fluids of an infected person or with virus-contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothing.

Treatment and Prevention
There is no specific treatment for monkeypox. Smallpox vaccine has been reported to reduce the risk of monkeypox among previously vaccinated persons in Africa. The potential role of smallpox vaccine in persons who have been exposed to monkeypox is being assessed. Antiviral drugs, such as cidofovir, are being evaluated for the treatment of monkeypox.

For additional information, visit www.cdc.gov/ncidod/monkeypox or call the CDC public response hotline at (888) 246-2675 (English) or (888) 245-2857 (Spanish). You can also contact the Camden County Department of Health & Human Services, Meghan Jones, MSPH, Epidemiologist, at (800) 999-9045 or (856) 374-6197.

To view the latest News Releases from the NJ Department of Health & Senior Services, please visit www.state.nj.us and click on Press Releases on the front page.