Germany has confirmed the first case of monkey smallpox, a rare virus that is similar to human smallpox but only affects non-human primates.

The infected animal, a male mandrill monkey, was imported from Ghana to a German zoo in June and has since died.

What is monkey smallpox?

Monkey smallpox is caused by the monkeypox virus and is similar to human smallpox. The virus is endemic in Central and West Africa, where sporadic cases have been reported in monkeys in the wild and in captive primates.

How is monkey smallpox spread?

Monkey smallpox can be transmitted to other monkeys through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated objects such as cages and bedding.

There is no evidence that monkey smallpox can be transmitted to humans.

What are the symptoms of monkey smallpox?

The symptoms of monkey smallpox in primates are similar to those of human smallpox. They include fever, rash, and pustules on the skin. The mortality rate in monkeys is high, with up to 90% of infected animals dying from the disease.

What is being done to prevent the spread of monkey smallpox?

The German authorities have taken steps to prevent the spread of monkey smallpox. The zoo where the infected monkey was housed has been closed to the public, and all of the animals in the primate enclosure have been quarantined.

The zoo has also implemented strict hygiene measures to prevent any further spread of the virus.

What is the risk to humans?

There is currently no evidence that monkey smallpox can be transmitted to humans. However, the German authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have recommended that people avoid all unnecessary contact with primates at the affected zoo.