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Spectrum of infection and risk factors for human monkeypox, United States, 2003

Mary G Reynolds1, Whitni B Davidson, Aaron T Curns

  • 1Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. nzr6@cdc.gov

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 7, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Human monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection in 2003 was linked to handling infected prairie dogs. Direct contact with sick animals, their cages, or bedding increased MPXV transmission risk.

Area of Science:

  • Zoonotic diseases
  • Viral infections
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The 2003 monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak in the US primarily involved animal-to-human transmission.
  • Interhuman transmission was not documented during this outbreak.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate risk factors associated with animal-to-human MPXV transmission.
  • To identify specific exposures that led to MPXV infection in humans.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted.
  • Participants completed questionnaires on exposures, clinical symptoms, and demographics.
  • Serum samples were analyzed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM to orthopoxvirus.

Main Results:

  • Adjusted for smallpox vaccination, case-patients had higher odds of daily exposure to sick animals (OR 4.0).
  • Cleaning cages/bedding of sick animals (OR 5.3) and touching sick animals (OR 4.0) were significant risk factors.
  • Human MPXV infection correlated with handling infected animals.

Conclusions:

  • Handling MPXV-infected animals is a primary risk factor for human infection.
  • Exposure to animal excretions and secretions can transmit MPXV.
  • Preventive measures should focus on minimizing direct contact with infected animals.

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