Clin 0003 Identification and Characterization of a Putative Novel Poxvirus in the DRC

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Investigator: Charles Chiu, MD, PhD
Sponsor: Global Viral Forecasting Initiative

Location(s): Congo (Kinshasa)

Description

Recently analyzed biological specimens suggest that a novel human disease agent with orthopox virus-like symptoms may be emerging in Central Africa. These specimens, obtained from suspected cases of human monkeypox infection through the DRC Ministry of Health disease surveillance program, indicate that nearly one-fifth of suspected human pox cases may not result from known cases of poxvirus disease. This project will close the knowledge gap on identifying near-neighbors of moneypox virus, a close relative of smallpox virus and potentially deadly infectious agent.