First case of monkeypox from human to dog reported

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• A gay couple in Paris who contracted monkeypox transmitted the virus to their pet dog.
• The dog developed ulcerations and pustules on its stomach days after sharing the bed with its owners.
• The CDC updated its monkeypox guidance on pets after the news was reported in France.

A dog in Paris has tested positive for monkeypox after sharing the bed with its gay owners, according to new reports from The Lancet Medical Journal.

The report is the first confirmed case of a human-to-pet infection. It was not previously clear whether the virus could be spread to pets.

The dog’s owners, ages 44 and 27, contracted monkeypox after having sexual contact with other guys. The French couple started reporting symptoms including fever, lesions, and headaches on June 10. The 4-year-old Italian greyhound tested positive for the virus 12 days later.

The dog developed similar lesions, ulcerations, and pustules on its stomach. The couple said they were co-sleeping with the dog in their home, leading researchers to believe that it’s the reason that resulted in transmission.

“Our findings should prompt debate on the need to isolate pets from monkeypox virus-positive individuals,” the report states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance regarding monkeypox. It now states that infected people should avoid contact with animals, including pets, domestic animals and wildlife to prevent spreading the virus.

Owners who tested positive for monkeypox and has not had close contact with their pets should place the animals in the care of friends or family until they have fully recovered.

“Pets that had close contact with a symptomatic person with monkeypox should be kept at home and away from other animals and people for 21 days after the most recent contact,” the CDC states on its website. “Infected people should not take care of exposed pets.”

Per CDC, monkeypox is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, direct contact with bodily fluids or lesions, and can also be spread by respiratory droplets.

In July, The World Health Organization declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of global concern. According to the CDC website, there are 31,799 confirmed cases of monkeypox worldwide as of Friday.

Source: Axios