AUSTIN — The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed on Tuesday the state’s first case of monkeypox, a uncommon illness much like smallpox.
The reported case is in Dallas County, and the resident not too long ago traveled internationally, in accordance with an announcement by the company.
“The patient is isolated at home,” officers stated, including, “The sickness doesn’t at the moment current a danger to most people.”
The monkeypox virus spreads between individuals primarily by direct contact with infectious sores, scabs or physique fluids, however may also be unfold by respiratory secretions throughout extended, face-to-face contact, a Dallas County Health and Human Services launch stated. Monkeypox can also unfold throughout intimate contact between individuals, together with throughout intercourse, in addition to actions like kissing, cuddling, or touching elements of the physique with monkeypox sores.
Monkeypox has grabbed worldwide consideration because it has moved throughout the globe the place dozens of international locations the place monkeypox shouldn’t be an endemic are reporting constructive instances over the past couple of weeks. It has to this point been recognized in 12 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., however federal well being care officers have burdened that the virus shouldn’t be a excessive danger to the general public.
State officers stated they have been working with Dallas County and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish anybody who could have contact with the constructive particular person, together with those that could have been on the identical aircraft from Mexico to Dallas.
“We have been working closely with the CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services and have conducted interviews with the patient and close contacts,” stated DCHHS Director Dr. Philip Huang in an announcement. “We have determined that there is little known risk to the general public at this time. However, monkeypox cases have been spreading globally, and we are actively working with local healthcare providers to ensure they are prepared to recognize monkeypox and report suspected cases to public health officials.”