Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease that has been reported in various regions of Nigeria, affecting both animals and humans. The transmission dynamics of Monkeypox virus in Nigeria are complex due to the involvement of multiple animal reservoirs and potential vectors. This study aimed to investigate the transmission of Monkeypox virus among animals and humans in Nigeria to better understand the epidemiology and potential risk factors associated with the spread of the disease. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather information on the reported cases of Monkeypox in Nigeria, including the affected animal species, geographical distribution, and transmission patterns. The review highlighted the role of rodents, primates, and other small mammals as potential reservoirs of Monkeypox virus in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study explored the possible routes of transmission between animals and humans, such as direct contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated bushmeat, and nosocomial transmission in healthcare settings. In addition to the literature review, field surveys were conducted in various regions of Nigeria to collect samples from animals suspected of being infected with Monkeypox virus. Molecular diagnostic techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, were employed to confirm the presence of the virus in the collected samples. The results of the field surveys provided valuable insights into the prevalence and genetic diversity of Monkeypox virus strains circulating among different animal species in Nigeria. Moreover, seroprevalence studies were conducted among human populations in areas with reported cases of Monkeypox to assess the level of exposure and immunity to the virus. The findings from the seroprevalence studies indicated a varying degree of immunity among individuals, suggesting potential differences in susceptibility to Monkeypox infection. Overall, this study sheds light on the transmission dynamics of Monkeypox virus among animals and humans in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of One Health approaches to effectively control and prevent the spread of the disease. The findings from this research provide valuable information for public health authorities and policymakers to develop targeted strategies for surveillance, diagnosis, and management of Monkeypox outbreaks in Nigeria.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTIONBACKGROUND TO THE INFORMATIONMonkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. CDC. (2015) Symptoms begin with fever, headache, muscle pains, swollen lymph nodes, and feeling tired.[1] This is then followed by a rash that forms blisters and crusts over.[1] The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is around 10 days.[1] The duration of symptoms is typically 2 to 5 weeks. CDC. (2015)Monkeypox may be spread from handling bush meat, an animal bite or scratch, body fluids, contaminated objects, or close contact with an infected person. Hutin, Williams, Malfait P (2001). The virus is believed to normally circulate among certain rodents in Africa. Diagnosis can be confirmed by testing a lesion for the viruses DNA.[3] The disease can appear similar to chickenpox.The smallpox vaccine is believed to prevent infection. McCollum, and Damon, (2003) Cidofovir may be useful as treatment.[4] The risk of death in those infected is up to 10%.The virus can spread both from animal to human and from human to human. Infection from animal to human can occur via an animal bite or by direct contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids. The virus can spread from human to human by both respiratory (airborne) contact and contact with infected person’s bodily fluids. Risk factors for transmission include sharing a bed, room, or using the same utensils as an infected patient. Increased transmission risk associated with factors involving introduction of virus to the oral mucosa. Kantele A, Chickering K, Vapalahti O, Rimoin AW (2016) Incubation period is 10-14 days. Prodromal symptoms include swelling of lymph nodes, muscle pain, headache, fever, prior to the emergence of the rash. The rash is usually only present on the trunk but has the capacity to spread to the palms and soles of the feet, occurring in a centrifugal distribution. The initial macular lesions exhibit a papular, then vesicular and pustular appearance. Kantele A, Chickering K, Vapalahti O, Rimoin AW (2016).