An Emerging Zoonosis: Monkeypox — Nigeria, 2017
- Monkeypox outbreaks occur sporadically in West and Central Africa but this outbreak was unique in several ways: it was the first documented outbreak of monkeypox in Nigeria in 40 years, the largest outbreak ever recorded from this monkeypox strain, and the first time this strain has been known to be fatal. To date 6 deaths have been recorded, 4 out of the 6 patients had coexisting immunosuppressive illness.
- As of Feb. 25, there have been 228 total reported suspect cases, of which 89 have been confirmed. Through genetic sequencing of the virus, this outbreak has resulted from at least seven independent introductions of the virus from animals to people.
- Although we don’t yet know exactly which animalsarbor the virus, small mammals appear to play a role in the circulation in nature. Not knowing the animal reservoir makes it difficult to predict outbreaks or provide specific prevention advice to people in the affected areas about how to avoid catching it. Our staff are constantly working to learn more in this area. Investment into learning about and building capacity for this disease can pay off in the long run when new or deadly diseases arise.
“Monkeypox has been increasing across Africa in the past two years in larger, and more frequent outbreaks than we’ve seen in recent years. This outbreak is a prime example of this dynamic – it’s the first in Nigeria in 40 years and the largest monkeypox outbreak ever recorded from this strain of the virus. This is deeply troubling and a reminder that we and our public health partners must be vigilant for new outbreaks and do what we can to respond to them quickly.”
-Anna Mandra, DVM, MPH, EIS Class of 2017
[PNG - 2 MB]Anna Mandra, DVM, MPH, EIS Class of 2017, stands in front of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
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Anna Mandra, DVM, MPH, EIS Class of 2017
CDC’s National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Poxvirus & Rabies Branch
Education: DVM: Western University of Health Sciences, 2011; MPH: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, 2011; BS: University of California, Santa Cruz, 2005
Work Experience: Veterinary Corps Officer, United States Army, 2011-Present
Volunteer Experience: Volunteer, Bwindi Community Hospital, 2006-2006; Volunteer, Cheetah Conservation Botswana, 2006-2006 Board Certified: Preventive Medicine (General/Public Health)