Dog reportedly diagnosed with monkeypox after owners contracted the virus

An Italian greyhound dog belonging to a French couple was recently confirmed to have contracted monkeypox from them, according to the New York Post.

The couple is reportedly in a non-monogamous relationship and is believed to have been infected with the virus from an open sexual encounter.

Both men had suffered from rashes and extensive ulcers since their June diagnosis. The Italian greyhound dog started displaying symptoms 12 days later, developing pustules on the stomach. The dog tested positive, making it the first known case of human-to-dog monkeypox transmission, CBS News reported.

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According to The Lancet medical journal, the dog may have contracted the virus from the couple through licking one or both of them and/or sharing a bed with them.

“The men reported co-sleeping with their dog,” The Lancet wrote. “They had been careful to prevent their dog from contact with other pets or humans from the onset of their own symptoms.”

Since the confirmation of the case, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s monkeypox guidance has been updated. Officials are requesting anyone infected or at-risk quarantine away from their animals.

Monkeypox is spread via close skin contact and sharing bodily fluids.