Health authorities in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, announced the discovery of the first case of monkeypox in the country, which in this instance, was transmitted from a human to an animal, specifically a dog. According to a statement from local Brazilian health authorities, "The Minister of Health for Minas Gerais reported that the strategic information center for health surveillance in Minas Gerais (CIVS Minas) was notified on 08/22/2022, via email from the Ezekiel Foundation (Fonid), about a positive monkeypox laboratory test result from a sample taken from a dog."
The virus was found in a dog in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, whose owner contracted the disease in early August. On August 13, the five-month-old dog exhibited symptoms including itching, and the appearance of scabs and blisters on its back and neck. After molecular testing this week confirmed that it was suffering from monkeypox, the dog was isolated at home with its owner, where both are being monitored.
It was reported that "the patient was instructed by the municipality of Juiz de Fora to keep the animal in isolation and adopt health measures for the dog's feeding routine and cleaning the area, which include using gloves, a mask, long-sleeved shirts, and trousers for skin protection. Additionally, the area should be disinfected with a strong cleaner." According to local authorities, there has been no evidence of this disease in animals in the country until now, with prior reports only from American and French health centers, while it was mentioned that both the dog and its owner are currently in good health.
