APRIL 01, 2014
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2014.03.994
C. Hughes, A. McCollum, E. Pukuta, S. Karhemere, B. Nguete, R. Shongo Lushima, J. Kabamba, M. Balilo, J.-J. Muyembe Tamfum, O. Wemakoy, J. Malekani, B. Monroe, I. Damon, M. Reynolds
Background:
Monkeypox (MPX) is an acute febrile rash illness caused by infection with a zoonotic Orthopoxvirus. The disease is endemic in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partnered with the Congolese Ministry of Health to conduct enhanced surveillance for monkeypox in the Tshuapa Health District. As part of enhanced surveillance, health-workers investigate suspect cases, collecting diagnostic samples and information pertaining to signs and symptoms of illness. Of particular concern are ocular manifestations, which can lead to blindness.