DHSS Press Release

DPH INFORMS MEDICAL COMMUNITY OF MIDWEST MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK

Although there are no human cases in Delaware, Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) alerted the medical community this week about a monkeypox outbreak in the Midwest. DPH is closely monitoring the investigation of the Midwest outbreak to determine the potential for exposure to Delawareans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of June 9, 2003, 33 persons with suspected monkeypox - four of which were confirmed by laboratory testing - were reported in Wisconsin (18), Illinois (10) and Indiana (5).

The Delaware Department of Agriculture ruled in 1996 that prairie dogs are illegal, exotic pets. However, based upon information received from the Maryland Department of Health and Hygiene, DPH learned that a Delaware pet store sold at least 11 prairie dogs to seven Delawareans and four to Maryland residents. DPH is working with the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) to investigate the pet store's source of prairie dogs. These animals reportedly originated in Texas and are not known to be related to the prairie dogs suspected of transmitting monkeypox in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. DPH is contacting the owners to determine health status.

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is found mostly in the rainforest countries of Central and West Africa, the CDC reports. In people, the clinical features of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox, except that the symptoms are less severe. The incubation period is approximately 12 days. The illness begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, a general feeling of discomfort, and exhaustion. It progresses to a bumpy rash that typically worsens, resulting in crusty scabs. The fatality rate of monkeypox in humans is one to 10 percent. The CDC is currently evaluating treatment options.

People can contract monkeypox from an infected animal through a bite or direct contact with the infected animal's blood, body fluids, or lesions. The disease also can be spread from person to person, but it is much less infectious than smallpox. There is no evidence that person-to-person transmission has occurred in the United States.

Delawareans should avoid contact with prairie dogs, especially those that are visibly ill. However, if they have recently been in contact with any prairie dog, they should contact DPH immediately at 1-888-295-5156. Delawareans should also contact DPH if they handled any animals purchased from Phil's Pocket Pets in Villa Park, Ill. since April 15, 2003 or at animal swap meets held in Schaumburg, Ill., Indianapolis, Ind., Columbus, Ohio, or Wausau, Wis. Persons who purchased any animal from one of these dealers are encouraged to contact their state health department.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.