Introduction of Monkeypox into a Community and Household: Risk Factors and Zoonotic Reservoirs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

TLDR

In October 2013, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s regional surveillance system noted an increased incidence of monkeypox, yet little is known about how the virus is introduced into communities or transmitted within households. The study conducted retrospective cohort and case‑control investigations to identify risk factors for MPXV introduction into communities and household transmission. The researchers collected and tested 68 wild animals, detecting Orthopoxvirus antibodies in two of three rope squirrels, and used retrospective cohort and case‑control designs to evaluate transmission pathways. School‑age males were most frequently the first infected and overall most affected; sharing a room, bed, plate, or cup with the primary case increased risk, whereas eating or processing wild animals posed no significant risk, and activities exposing mucosa heightened transmission.

Abstract

An increased incidence of monkeypox (MPX) infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was noted by the regional surveillance system in October 2013. Little information exists regarding how MPX is introduced into the community and the factors associated with transmission within the household. Sixty-eight wild animals were collected and tested for Orthopoxvirus. Two of three rope squirrels (Funisciurus sp.) were positive for antibodies to Orthopoxviruses; however, no increased risk was associated with the consumption or preparation of rope squirrels. A retrospective cohort investigation and a case-control investigation were performed to identify risk factors affecting the introduction of monkeypox virus (MPXV) into the community and transmission within the home. School-age males were the individuals most frequently identified as the first person infected in the household and were the group most frequently affected overall. Risk factors of acquiring MPXV in a household included sleeping in the same room or bed, or using the same plate or cup as the primary case. There was no significant risk associated with eating or processing of wild animals. Activities associated with an increased risk of MPXV transmission all have potential for virus exposure to the mucosa.