Monkeypox virus infections
In 2003, the Wisconsin Division of Public Health
conducted an investigation of state residents who became ill after
having contact with prairie dogs. The cases appeared in May and June of
2003, and symptoms in the human cases included: fever, cough, rash, and
swollen lymph nodes. CDC laboratory test results indicated that the
cause of the human illness was Monkeypox, an orthopox virus that could
be transmitted by prairie dogs. These prairie dogs became infected when
they were exposed to imported African rodents that were carrying the
virus.
The Division of Public health, working with local
partners, offered smallpox vaccinations to individuals involved in this
outbreak who had exposure to a sick animal or an individual who showed
symptoms of monkeypox illness.
Human monkeypox is a rare zoonotic viral disease
(zoonotic means a disease of animals, such as rabies, that can be
transmitted to humans), known to occur primarily in the rain forest
countries of central and west Africa. In humans, the illness produces a
vesicular and pustular rash similar to that of smallpox. Limited
person-to-person spread of infection has been reported in
disease-endemic areas in Africa.
The 2003 outbreak was the first known occurrence of
monkeypox in the western hemisphere. There have been no additional cases
since 2003.
General information
Monkeypox
Basics CDC (exit DHS)
Monkeypox
virus infections National Library of Medicine & National
Institute of Health (exit DHS)
Contacts
Wisconsin
Local Health Departments - Regional offices - Tribal agencies
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Last Revised:
June 13, 2012 |
