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Human-to-Human Transmission of Monkeypox Virus, United Kingdom, October 2018

Aisling Vaughan, Emma Aarons, John Astbury

    Emerging Infectious Diseases
    |February 6, 2020
    PubMed

    Insights

    A healthcare worker contracted monkeypox virus from a patient in the UK, likely via contaminated bedding. Strict infection control measures, including vaccination and monitoring, were implemented for contacts, with all infected individuals surviving.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Public Health
    • Virology

    Background:

    • Monkeypox virus (MPXV) poses a zoonotic threat, with potential for human-to-human transmission.
    • Healthcare-associated transmissions of MPXV are rare but critical to understand for infection control.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To document a case of healthcare-associated monkeypox virus transmission in the United Kingdom.
    • To evaluate the effectiveness of infection control measures implemented following MPXV exposure.

    Main Methods:

    • Case investigation of a healthcare worker infected with monkeypox virus.
    • Contact tracing and monitoring of 134 individuals exposed to the index patient.
    • Implementation of infection control precautions including vaccination, daily symptom monitoring, and isolation for contacts.

    Main Results:

    • One healthcare worker was infected with monkeypox virus, likely through contact with contaminated bedding.
    • Of 134 identified contacts, 4 individuals developed monkeypox.
    • All symptomatic individuals recovered, with no fatalities reported.

    Conclusions:

    • Healthcare-associated transmission of monkeypox virus is possible, even with stringent precautions.
    • Prompt implementation of infection control measures, including vaccination and monitoring, can effectively manage MPXV outbreaks.
    • Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing further spread and ensuring patient survival.
    Keywords:
    MonkeypoxUnited Kingdomhumanmonkeypox virusnosocomialorthopoxvirustransmissionviruseszoonoses

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