Orthopoxvirus Infections in Rodents, Nigeria, 2018-2019

Emerg Infect Dis. 2023 Feb;29(2):433-434. doi: 10.3201/eid2902.221411.

Abstract

To investigate animal reservoirs of monkeypox virus in Nigeria, we sampled 240 rodents during 2018-2019. Molecular (real-time PCR) and serologic (IgM) evidence indicated orthopoxvirus infections, but presence of monkeypox virus was not confirmed. These results can be used to develop public health interventions to reduce human infection with orthopoxviruses.

Keywords: One Health; Orthopoxvirus; animals; ecology; ecosystem; monkeypox; mpox; public health; rodents; viruses.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Monkeypox virus / genetics
  • Mpox (monkeypox)* / epidemiology
  • Nigeria / epidemiology
  • Orthopoxvirus* / genetics
  • Poxviridae Infections* / epidemiology
  • Poxviridae Infections* / veterinary
  • Rodentia