Where is Monkeypox in the US?

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus.

Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, hence the name ‘monkeypox.’

The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a period of intensified effort to eliminate smallpox.

Where is Monkeypox in the US?

In 2003, forty-seven confirmed and probable casesexternal icon of monkeypox were reported from six states—Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

All people infected with monkeypox in this outbreak became ill after having contact with pet prairie dogs.

According to investigators, a shipment of animals from Ghana, imported to Texas in April 2003, introduced monkeypox virus into the United States.

The shipment contained approximately 800 small mammals representing nine different species, including six types of rodents.

These rodents included rope squirrels, tree squirrels, African giant pouched rats, brush-tailed porcupines, dormice, and striped mice.

CDC and the public health departments in the affected states, together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and other agencies, participated in a variety of activities that prevented further spread of monkeypox.

The activities included;

1. Extensive laboratory testing,
2. Deployment of smallpox vaccine and treatments,
3. Development of guidance for patients, healthcare providers, veterinarians, and
4. Other animal handlers; tracking potentially infected animals; and investigation into possible human cases.