The first monkeypox human-to-dog transmission case reported in The Lancet is a new hurdle in the current disease outbreak that led the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update their guidelines. The change reflects the first case of a pet dog getting the virus from its owner.
Daily Mirror reported that the case was confirmed in Paris, France, after an Italian greyhound family pet of two male partners tested positive for the monkeypox virus 12 days after its owner showed symptoms.
The two men went to a hospital in Paris in early June after developing anal ulceration six days after having sex. One also had rashes on his face, legs, and ears, while the other man developed rashes on his back and legs.
CDC Updates Monkeypox Guidelines
The new updates from the CDC say that monkeypox can jump species coming from an animal to people and then infect animals again through close contact, such as petting, cuddling, hugging, kissing, licking, sleeping on the same bed, and sharing food.
In their guidelines, they urge the public to avoid contact with animals, whether they may be pets, domestic animals, or wildlife, to prevent further transmission of the virus. If pets are exposed to monkeypox, CDC says not to surrender, euthanize or abandon pets. Also, washing them with chemical disinfectants, like alcohol, hand sanitizers, or hydrogen peroxide is not advisable.
If an infected person does not have close contact with pets, ask someone who lives in a separate home to be the animal's caretaker until the owner fully recovers. After recovering, disinfect the whole home before bringing the healthy animals back.
On the other hand, pets exposed to the virus should be kept at home and away from other animals for at least 21 days. Infected people should not take care of exposed pets and should always avoid close contact. If possible, ask another household member to care for the animal until the person fully recovers.
It is better to isolate and care for the animal in a separate location to avoid them from getting infected. Likewise, immunocompromised people, pregnant women, and young children under the age of eight should not provide care for animals who had close contact with an infected person.
Regular handwashing is advised before caring for healthy pets at home or using alcohol-based hand rub. It is also important to cover any skin rash with gloves, long sleeves, and long pants.
Steps When Pets Become Exposed or Infected With monkeypox Virus
The CDC says that if the pets are exposed or infected with the monkeypox virus, follow these steps:
- Get pets tested for the monkeypox virus.
- Separate them from healthy humans or animals.
- Owners should always wash their hands and handle their pets using PPE.
- Consult the local public health for waste disposal.
- Ensure that the pet beddings are properly disinfected.
- Do not shake soiled laundry or pet beddings.
- Follow Disinfecting Home and Other Non-Healthcare Settings for household disinfection.
First Monkeypox Case in Domesticated Animal
Medical Xpress reported that although it is widely known that animals can carry the monkeypox virus, researchers of the case study say that this is the first time a reported case has happened in domesticated animals.
Wild animals, such as primates and rodents, can carry the monkeypox virus in countries where it is endemic. The virus was first found in research monkeys in Europe, but it was not yet found in domesticated dogs and cats. They said that the findings of the study open a further investigation into secondary monkeypox transmission through pets.
Ultimately, CDC's new guidelines warn pet owners to avoid close contact with their pets if exposed or infected and vice versa to avoid further transmission.
RELATED ARTICLE: Monkeypox Human-to-Dog Transmission: 1st Case in Pet Confirmed 12 Days After Owners Exhibit Onset of Symptoms
Check out more news and information on Monkeypox in Science Times.
