United States Identifies First Case of Monkeypox - Individual Who Recently Returned from Canada
The rare and potentially serious virus known as monkeypox is causing concern among public health authorities worldwide, with numerous cases being reported in various countries.
In Montreal, Quebec, health authorities are investigating at least 13 suspected cases of monkeypox, which were flagged after diagnoses were made in multiple facilities focusing on sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. Similar investigations are underway in the Canadian province of Manitoba.
European health authorities have also confirmed several cases of monkeypox earlier this week. Spain and Portugal announced that they had identified over 40 suspected or confirmed cases, while the United Kingdom has reported 9 instances as of May 19. Inger Damon, a poxvirus expert with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stated that many of the European instances have been spotted in men who have sex with men.
The United States is not immune to this outbreak, with the Massachusetts Department of Health confirming the first case of monkeypox in the country this year. The individual diagnosed is currently hospitalized and in good condition. The CDC is involved in the investigation, and they emphasize that anybody, regardless of sexual preference, can spread monkeypox.
The illness typically begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes before causing a chickenpox-like rash on the face and body. It can spread through physical contact with the contaminated person's liquids or sores, or shared products like clothing and bed linens. However, the CDC reassures that household disinfectants can kill the monkeypox virus.
The Massachusetts Department of Health stated that the case poses no risk to the public. Similarly, the case detected in the United States is believed to be related to travel to Canada.
It's important to note that many of the reported cases, including those detected over the past two weeks in Portugal, Spain, and Britain, are occurring within sexual networks. However, this does not mean that monkeypox is solely a sexually transmitted disease.
Public health authorities urge anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms accompanied by a rash to seek medical attention promptly. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.
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