Monkeypox detected in dog in France

French scientists confirmed the first case of monkeypox in a dog. The report was published by researchers at the Sorbonne University in Paris in the scientific journal The Lanceton August 10, and has raised concern among public health authorities, who have updated their recommendations on the disease.

The unprecedented case took place in Paris, France, with a pet of a couple infected with the monkeypox in early June. After 12 days of the onset of symptoms in humans, the dog, a four-year-old Italian greyhound, also began to show signs of the disease.

The dog developed lesions typical of monkeypox on its skin and mucous membranes, having tested positive for the same type of virus as the owners. According to the report of The Lancetthe pet slept in the same bed as the couple, who took care to isolate the dog from other animals and humans from the beginning of the symptoms.

Know more: Monkey pox: see infection risk activities

It remains unclear whether the reverse path — transmission from dogs to humans — can happen. However, for scientists, this is something that must be studied in depth. The World Health Organization (WHO) sees that the information “is new, but not surprising”.

“This is the first such incident and we are still learning about the transmission of this virus from humans to animals,” Rosamund Lewis, WHO’s MD and Monkeypox Technical Lead, told The Washington Post.

Monkeypox in animals: what is already known?

With the unprecedented case, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) included dogs among the species that can be infected by the monkeypox virus. Therefore, he started to guide people diagnosed with the disease to limit contact with pets until the complete recovery of the condition.

In addition to humans and dogs, according to the CDC, monkeypox can affect the following species:

• prairie dogs;

• Squirrels;

• marmots;

• chinchillas;

• Emin’s Purse Mice;

• porcupines;

• shrews;

• Non-human primates.

The entity also states that rabbits, mice and rats can probably be infected and warns that the possibility of infection in other species is still unknown, such as: guinea pigs, hamsters, cats, cows, camels, sheep, pigs and foxes.

Necessary care for pets

According to the CDC, transmission of the monkeypox virus in pets can happen through close contact, including petting, hugging, kissing, licking, and through sharing food, water and bedding.

Therefore, people infected with monkeypox should avoid contact with animals to prevent the spread of the virus. The entity also reiterates that the animal should not be cleaned or bathed with chemical disinfectants, alcohol, cleaning wipes and other industrial products.

Read more: Monkeypox: Health recommends masks for pregnant women

If the person has not had close contact with the pet after the onset of symptoms, the recommendation is that a family member or friend takes care of the pet in another home until complete recovery. Anyone who has had close contact with the pet must isolate it from other animals and people for 21 days.

For people who live alone, the recommendation is to always wash their hands with soap and water and use alcohol to sterilize them before and after contact with the pet. For those who live with another person, if they are not contaminated, it is preferable to ask for help to care for the animal.