First Monkeypox Case Reported in Texas, but Officials Say Public Is Safe

Texas health officials have identified the first case of Monkeypox in the state this year, but say the general public is not at risk from the illness.

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So far this year, 1,000 cases have been reported across 29 countries, with most cases in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Portugal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Texas Tribune is reporting that the first Texas case was identified in a resident of Dallas County who recently traveled out of the country. Texas Department of State Health Services is investigating the case with Dallas County Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease that is transmitted from animals to humans that occurs mostly in central and western Africa. It comes from the same family of viruses as smallpox, although it is much less severe and experts say chances of widespread infection are low, according to the World Health Organization.

Monkeypox is not usually considered to be very contagious because it requires close physical contact with someone who is infected in order to spread.

Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox

Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and exhaustion.

Within 1 to 3 days after the fever begins, a rash appears on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. Monkeypox usually lasts for 2−4 weeks, according to the CDC.

Avoiding Monkeypox

The CDC has issued the some of the following recommendations if you are traveling: avoid any close contact with sick people; wash your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and avoid contact with animals.

Monkeypox can cause more serious symptoms including death in newborns, children, and people with underlying immune deficiencies, according to the World Health Organization.