African Squirrel May Have Sparked Latest Mpox Outbreak in Monkeys
In a startling development, researchers have identified the potential source of a recent mpox outbreak among a population of sooty mangabeys in Côte d’Ivoire’s Taï National Park. The investigation reveals that the outbreak, which affected numerous monkeys and led to the tragic death of four infants, may have initiated from a fire-footed rope squirrel consumed by one of the animals.
Details of the Outbreak
The outbreak began in early 2023, affecting approximately one-third of the sooty mangabeys, Cercocebus atys, in Taï National Park. Symptoms observed included skin lesions and other health complications, prompting meticulous investigations into the origins of the virus. A comprehensive study published in the journal Nature on February 11, highlights that the ingestion of a fire-footed rope squirrel, Funisciurus pyrropus, could be the catalyst for the infection that spread among the primate group.
Clement Meseko, a veterinarian and virologist with the National Veterinary Research Institute in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of tracing the virus's animal reservoirs. Knowing which species harbor the virus can significantly aid in implementing preventative measures to protect human populations from potential infections.
Historical Context
Since 2012, there have been several instances of mpox outbreaks among primate species in Taï National Park. A deceased sooty mangabey was detected with the virus in 2012, followed by illnesses in chimpanzee groups in subsequent years (2017 and 2018). Notably, throughout these outbreaks, researchers discovered that the virus was only present in primates during these incidents, raising questions about the original source of infection.
Livia Patrono, a veterinarian and disease ecologist involved in the study, has long sought to investigate the role of rodents as potential reservoirs. African rodents, including the fire-footed rope squirrel, have emerged as notable suspects, being linked to the initial findings of monkeypox viruses isolated from wildlife.
Research Methodology
To delve deeper into this latest outbreak, Patrono and her team undertook extensive wildlife monitoring, including fecal sample testing and necropsies of dead animals within the park. Out of over 700 rodents analyzed, only a single fire-footed rope squirrel tested positive for the monkeypox virus shortly before the outbreak was identified, although there were indications that additional hosts could exist.
Genetic analysis matched the virus from the squirrel to the strain affecting the sooty mangabeys, although the two were not identical. This distinction implies that while the dead squirrel was infected, it may not have been the direct source of the transmission that caused the outbreak.
Key Evidence
Compelling historical evidence included a video from 2014, showing a sooty mangabey consuming a fire-footed rope squirrel, corroborating the dietary link between the two species. Fecal samples collected before the outbreak revealed that one of the infected mangabeys had ingested a fire-footed squirrel, further solidifying the connection drawn by researchers.
Patrono asserts that this incident provides critical insight into how the virus emerges within animal populations, highlighting the need to monitor rodent populations, as they may pose additional risks as potential reservoirs of infection.
Implications for Public Health
As the mpox virus can be transmitted from animals to humans, experts emphasize the need for enhanced safety measures in settings intersecting with wildlife habitats. Public health officials may advise individuals in areas populated with fire-footed squirrels on protocols such as wearing personal protective equipment when interacting with these animals or maintaining stringent hygiene practices.
This latest outbreak sheds light on the complex interspecies dynamics that can initiate viral spillovers. Addressing the origins of mpox could not only mitigate risks for human populations but also helps in refining our understanding of wildlife disease transmission.
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