Scientists may have finally discovered the mysterious animal that carries mpox

For decades, scientists searched for the mystery animal host. Now, it seems an unlikely suspect has emerged — a squirrel.

Scientists searched for the mysterious animal host for decades. It seems that a squirrel, an unlikely culprit, has emerged. Years of study, a little bit of luck, and one infected monkey later, the answer was found.

Squirrels and the Spread of Viral Disease in Monkeys
The West African fire-footed rope squirrel can infect others with mpox without becoming ill. People and animals hunt this rodent. Formerly referred to as monkeypox, scientists now believe it spreads the virus.

The finding links the squirrel to an Ivory Coast epidemic in 2023. Mangabey monkeys were under study by researchers in Taï National Park. A juvenile monkey died within weeks after it developed sores on its skin. Eighty monkeys then caught the infection, and four others died.

Long-term monitoring and cameras helped identify the source. Bako, the newborn monkey's mother, had eaten a squirrel's pieces. A silent mpox infection was confirmed by her urine and stool. Subsequently, the squirrel's remains were found nearby. It was infected with the same virus.

Based on DNA tests, Bako had caught the virus from the squirrel. Then she transmitted it to her soldiers. Based on Helmholtz Institute scientist Fabian Leendertz, "everything fits together." "It was a rare and clear transmission event," he added, heading the inquiry.

Experts Cannot Agree on the Final Finding
As per some scientists, it confirms the role of the squirrel. Dr. Leandre Murhula Masirka works on mpox in Congo. In outbreak-ridden regions, he told The Telegraph, people often eat these squirrels. "I always detected mpox antibodies in the squirrels I sampled," he went on.

Others indicate the evidence is good but not conclusive. Dr Krutika Kuppalli of the University of Texas called for more research. She indicated other animals such as rodents and primates could be carriers too.

The research paper has not been peer-reviewed yet. But the breakthrough could enable scientists to learn more about how mpox transmits between species.