With over 50,000 cases of monkeypox reported globally, it's important to become familiar with this new public health emergency and how it may impact people and their pets.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It originates from a virus discovered in a research monkey colony in 1958. The first human case of monkeypox was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Beginning in May 2022, multiple cases of human monkeypox began to surface. On August 4, 2022, the White House declared a national public health emergency.
Which Animals Are Susceptible to Monkeypox?
Certain animals, including monkeys and squirrels, may carry the virus. Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, and humans can contract monkeypox when bitten or scratched by an infected animal. In addition, humans can even spread monkeypox to dogs.
How is Monkeypox Transmitted?
Monkeypox enters the body through the respiratory tract, eyes, mouth, or broken skin. In humans, it is most often transmitted by direct physical contact with infected individuals. It can also be transmitted via exposure to respiratory droplets, contact with virus-contaminated surfaces, and ingesting infected wild game meat.
Transmitting Monkeypox From Humans to Pets
In Paris on June 10, the first possible case of humans transmitting monkeypox to a dog was reported. Two men infected with the monkeypox virus were living together, and approximately twelve days after the onset of their symptoms, their dog tested positive. According to the report, the dog even slept in the bed with them.
Until this report, reports showed that animals transmitted the virus to humans and not the other way around. This is the first report demonstrating humans can transmit the monkeypox virus to dogs. At this time, it's unclear whether dogs will then be able to transmit the virus back to humans.
What Are the Signs of Monkeypox?
Monkeypox has an incubation period of between 7 and 14 days. During this period, infected animals and people typically have no symptoms of illness and are not contagious.
The symptoms in people and animals are different. Animals, like monkeys and dogs, may experience the following:
- Cough
- Red eyes
- Runny nose
- Lack of appetite
In the early stages of infection, people have reported experiencing the following:
- Headache
- Muscle and back aches
- Exhaustion
As the disease progresses, people and animals both experience a characteristic rash. The rashes develop from differently colored skin patches to pus-filled bumps and scabs.
How is Monkeypox Treated?
According to the CDC, there is no treatment specifically for people with monkeypox. The severity of monkeypox will vary from person to person, but most people recover within 2 to 4 weeks without medical treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help you feel better by providing pain relief.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there is also no specific treatment for animals infected with monkeypox. Similarly to people, supportive care is provided to alleviate clinical signs, such as dehydration or discomfort.
How to Protect People from Monkeypox
Monkeypox can last from 2 to 4 weeks, and the CDC recommends that anyone with monkeypox should stay home and isolate themself.
One of the most important safety precautions is using gauze or bandages to cover any rashes. This will limit the spread of the monkeypox virus to other pets, people, and the environment.
The monkeypox virus can contaminate the environment by bodily fluids, respiratory secretions, or contact with lesions from an infected person. The monkeypox virus can survive in linens, clothing, and surfaces, so it's essential to regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces.
A smallpox/monkeypox vaccine can help protect against smallpox, monkeypox, and other diseases caused by orthopoxviruses. The CDC recommends this vaccine for certain laboratory workers and emergency response team members who might be exposed to the virus through their daily work.
How to Protect Your Dog from Monkeypox
While human-to-human transmission of monkeypox is well-documented and something to be concerned with, the documented case of human-to-dog transmission is a new concern.
If you have monkeypox, the easiest way to protect other animals is to apply that same recommendation to isolate. Isolating yourself from all people and animals is the best way to prevent the spread. As sad as it may be, this includes not even sharing linens or a bed. While it may be a lonely few weeks while you recover, it is the healthiest and safest option for the people and pets in your life.
You can protect your pet from other individuals who may be infected by avoiding contact with anyone who appears to have a characteristic rash.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Dogs Has Monkeypox?
The first step in protecting the spread of monkeypox is isolation. If you suspect your dog has monkeypox, keep them isolated at home and away from other people and animals, including wildlife.
If your pet develops any pimple- or blister-like rash after possible contact with an infected individual, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will guide you on testing to confirm the infection and the next steps.
Conclusion
Monkeypox is an emerging concern in the United States since it's a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans and humans to humans. Monkeypox is transmitted via physical contact, respiratory droplets, or a contaminated environment.
There is now a documented case of humans infecting their dogs, so you should also take precautions to protect your dog. If you suspect you or your dog may have monkeypox, you should immediately isolate them to prevent further exposure.
While monkeypox is a concern, being cautious and taking regular safety precautions will limit your risk of infection.
Sources
American Veterinary Medical Association. “Human-to-dog monkeypox transmission case reported.” August 19, 2022.
American Veterinary Medical Association. “Monkeypox.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “2022 Outbreak Cases and Data.” September 14, 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Preventing Spread to Others.” August 11, 2022.