Dog Gets Quarantined After Contracting Monkeypox From Its Owner and Becoming Ill

The monkeypox virus is a rare disease known as monkeypox. It causes flu-like symptoms and a rash. It is a part of the orthopoxvirus family, which also includes the more well-known smallpox virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that a dog has contracted monkeypox from its owner.

As the first instance of its kind, health authorities advise isolation from pets while infected.

A dog infected by Monkeypox

(Photo : Alvan Nee/Unsplash)

Lesions on their greyhound dog were discovered 12 days after two men who share a home first recognized their symptoms, as per the BBC News.

According to the study, genetic testing revealed that the virus that infected the dog and the guys were the same viruses.

They claimed to have been sharing a bed with their dog.

According to Dr. Rosamund Lewis, WHO's technical lead on the monkeypox response, this has never been documented and they believed it to be the first occurrence of a canine contracting the disease.

It was not unexpected, according to Dr. Mike Ryan, director of the health emergency program.

However, scientists don't want the sickness to go from one species to the next, stay in that species, and then move about within a new species since that's when the virus could adapt, and then the virus is incentivized to adapt towards new species and evolve as such.

It's the first time, so it indicated that dogs can get sick, but it doesn't mean that they can spread the illness to other dogs or humans if they already have it.

Dr. Sylvie Briand, director of global infectious hazard preparedness at the WHO, added: "There are currently few monkeypox vaccines available worldwide. Over the last week, there has been a 20% spike in instances reported, which is also 20% greater than the previous week."

Leaders in global health emphasized the significance of all nations providing information to these people to assist protect their health.

The majority of instances are in men who may have intercourse with other men.

Also Read: Why Do Experts Push to Prioritize the Gay Community for Monkeypox Vaccine?

Preventing the spreading of the Monkeypox Virus

Monkeypox can be prevented using a smallpox vaccination, but its usage is now restricted to clinical studies.

Limiting person-to-person transmission and reducing human contact with diseased animals are essential to prevention, as per Cleveland Clinic.

The best strategy to stop the virus that causes monkeypox from spreading is to stay away from diseased animals (especially sick or dead animals).

Avoid coming into contact with contaminated bedding and other items. Cook all foods containing meat or other animal products completely.

Wash your hands with soap and water regularly. Keep your distance from anyone who might be carrying the virus.

Furthermore, utilize safe sexual practices, such as the use of dental dams and condoms.

When among other people, wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose. Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected. When providing medical care to those who have the virus, put on personal protective equipment (PPE).

Typically, the course of monkeypox lasts between two and four weeks. Your provider will keep an eye on you if you come into contact with monkeypox until the rash goes away.

The current global outbreak is being caused by the less dangerous West African lineage (2022).

This epidemic has not yet resulted in any fatalities.

However, complications from monkeypox can include pneumonia, encephalitis, and infections in the eyes or brain, all of which may be fatal.

Related Article: Could Monkeypox Be the Next Pandemic? What You Need to Know about the Virus