Epidemiology and virology
Very large, enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus (can be seen with light microscopy):
- First identified in research primates, but natural reservoir may actually be rodents
- Transmission via close contact with skin lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials (such as linen)
- First human case identified in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1970; endemic in DRC, Nigeria, Sierra Leone
- Approximately 200 cases in Nigeria reported since 2017
- Prior US outbreak in 2003 (47 confirmed and probable cases associated with exposure to imported animals)