Monkeypox: first case of dog infected by owner confirmed

First transmission case monkey flower Human-to-animal transmission was reported in Paris, France. The animal, an Italian hound, was infected by one of its owners, according to the report published in The Lancet science journal.

On July 23, the monkeypox epidemic, which was previously thought to be not serious, was granted Public Health Emergency of International Concern status. Health institutions, which are monitored more closely and carefully, are vigilant about the ways of transmission of the virus.

Monkeypox is a zoonosis and so far there have been no reports of transmission of the virus from humans to other animals. Within the scope of this scenario, a case that attracted the attention of health institutions infected a dog in Paris.

According to the report, the owners of the animal showed signs of infection and sought medical attention. Twelve days after the onset of symptoms, the animal also began to show skin rashes, mucosal lesions and anal ulcers.

Owners reported that the animal was in bed with them and from the onset of symptoms, both males and dogs stayed away from other people and animals.

The researchers collected material from the lesions and tested the samples to rule out the possibility that the dog’s signs and symptoms were just an animal disease. Test results came back positive for smallpox, and the virus genetically matched that found in one of the animal’s caretakers.

It’s not yet possible to say whether dogs can transmit the virus to humans or other animals, according to experts, but the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has included them in the list of monkeypox hosts.

ARTICLE Lancet: doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01487-8