Emerging Infectious Diseases (Jun 2007)

Endemic Human Monkeypox, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2001–2004

  • Anne W. Rimoin,
  • Neville Kisalu,
  • Benoit Kebela-Ilunga,
  • Thibaut Mukaba,
  • Linda L. Wright,
  • Pierre Formenty,
  • Nathan D. Wolfe,
  • Robert Loshima Shongo,
  • Florimond Tshioko,
  • Emile Okitolonda,
  • Jean-Jacques Muyembe,
  • Robert W. Ryder,
  • Hermann Meyer

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1306.061540
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 6
pp. 934 – 934

Abstract

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By analyzing vesicle fluids and crusted scabs from 136 persons with suspected monkeypox, we identified 51 cases of monkeypox by PCR, sequenced the hemagglutinin gene, and confirmed 94% of cases by virus culture. PCR demonstrated chickenpox in 61 patients. Coinfection with both viruses was found in 1 additional patient.

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