. .

• Once introduced, human-to-human transmission occurs.
• The outbreak constituted an epidemic in the region (mortality rate = 37.5 per 100) and therefore worthy of serious intervention.
• The large number of cases may well reflect the increase in the number of susceptible people in DRC as a result of almost non-existent smallpox vaccination in the region.
• The monkeypox virus is a close relative of the smallpox virus and can spread as readily.

IN THE NEWS: 

Centers for Disease Control (Monkeypox: Updates/Advisories)

• ProMED: Monkeypox - CDC Reccomendations for Veterinarians (12 June 2003)
• CDC Recommends Smallpox Vaccination to Protect Persons Exposed to Monkeypox (CDC Media Relations, 11 June 2003)
• HHS Bans Rodent Imports from Africa; Prohibits Domestic Commerce in Rodents and Prairie Dogs (6/11/03 2:15:04 PM)
• Interim Case Definition for Human Case of Monkeypox: (Jun 11, 2003, 8:00 AM ET) 
• Preliminary Report: Multistate Outbreak of Monkeypox in Persons Exposed to Pet Prairie Dogs (Jun 9, 2003, 12:00 AM ET)
• Interim Infection Control and Exposure Management Guidance in the Health-Care and Community Setting for Patients with Possible Monkeypox Virus Infection: (Jun 9, 2003, 2:00 AM ET)
• Monkeypox Infections In Animals: Interim Guidance for Veterinarians and Pet Owners: (Jun 9, 2003, 4:00 AM ET)
• Public Health Investigation Uncovers First Outbreak of Human Monkeypox Infection in Western Hemisphere: CDC Media Relations, 7 June 2003

• Public Health Legal Response and Preparedness: Centers for Disease Control
• Homeland Security in the United States: Humanitarian Resource Institute Legal Resource Center

MONKEY POX: 

Agent:

Reservoir and Incidence:

Transmission:

Disease in Nonhuman Primates:

Disease in Man:

Diagnosis:

Treatment:

Prevention/Control:

GENOMIC:

• Poxvirus Bioinformatics Resource Center. The Center provides a relational database that supports data storage of poxvirus genomic sequences, and annotation and analysis of poxvirus genes; web-based data mining and sequence analysis tools; software for analysis of complete genomes; a poxvirus literature resource; a repository of poxvirus species and strains (at ATCC); and a discussion forum. The Poxvirus Bioinformatics Resource Center was created by a consortium of laboratories. An Advisory Committee has been established to help guide the development of this Center. Funding for this project is being provided by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
• Bioinformatics: Pathobiological Diagnostics: Humanitarian Resource Institute.

• Bioweapons, Bioterrorism and Biodiversity: potential impacts of biological weapons attacks on agricultural and biological diversity. J.P. Dudley, M.H. Woodford, rev.sci.tech.Off.int.Epiz.,2002,21(1), 125-137. pdf file
• Monkeypox – Potential as Bioweapon: US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine. On 9 June, 2002 the United Press International reported that scientists and former UN weapons inspectors told them that the Russians worked with monkeypox in their bioweapons program and it is possible that terrorists could use it in a biological attack. 
• Weapons of Mass Destruction, Nonproliferation and International Security: Stephen M. Apatow, Humanitarian Resource Institute Legal Resource Center, October 2002.

• Zoonotic Disease Online Review: This resource was developed by Humanitarian Resource Institute for medical and veterinary Professionals to assist in medical surveillance and response activities associated with zoonotic and epizootic diseases. 
• Foreign Animal Disease Online Course: This resource was developed by Humanitarian Resource Institute to enhance training for the recognition of Foreign Animal Disease's for field veterinarians.

• Smallpox Resource List, Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy, Academic Health Center -- University of Minnesota