New Delhi: Health experts warn that people suffering from monkey fever should not be in close contact with pets at home.
This warning states that animals are susceptible to contracting the virus. Pets that have been in close contact with an infected person are advised to be kept away from the home, other animals and people for 21 days.
The matter is getting renewed attention last week following reports that an Italian greyhound was infected with the virus. The virus was confirmed in the pet dog of the couple who said they were sleeping with the animal.
Monkey fever infection has been found in mice and other wild animals, which can also transmit the virus to humans. But researchers say that this is the first time that monkey fever has been reported in pets like dogs and cats.