NEW YORK – Health officials are warning people infected with monkeypox to stay away from household pets, as they may be at risk of contracting the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been there for months advice spot when monkeypox spread in the U.S. But it gained new attention after a report from France, published last week in the medical journal Lancet, about an Italian greyhound infected with a virus.
The dog belonged to a couple who said they slept with the animal. Two men were infected with monkeypox after having sex with another sexual partner and wound up with wounds and other symptoms. The greyhound subsequently developed lesions and was diagnosed with a viral infection.
Monkeypox infection have been detected in rodents and other wildlife, which can spread the virus to humans. However, the authors called this the first report of smallpox infection in monkeys in a domesticated animal such as a dog or cat.
Pets that have been in close contact with a person with symptoms should be kept at home, away from other animals and people for 21 days after their most recent exposure, the CDC advises.
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