The Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services is investigating a case of smallpox in the county, the department confirmed Tuesday.
The resident who tested positive traveled to Mexico last month, which has also reported cases. Preliminary test results showed a positive result on June 6th. Due to privacy issues, patient identification has not been disclosed.
Public health officials have identified people who have had direct contact with the patient and are being monitored for symptoms of infection. The CDC is also working with airlines, state and local health officials to contact airline passengers and others who may have been in contact with the patient aboard a flight from Mexico to Dallas.
The patient has not been hospitalized and is currently isolated and recovering at home and poses no risk to others at this time.
“We have been working closely with the CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services and conducted patient interviews and close contacts,” said Dr. Philip Huan, director of DCHHS. “We have determined that there is little known risk to the general public at this time. However, cases of monkeypox have spread worldwide and we are actively working with local healthcare providers to ensure be prepared to recognize the smallpox of the monkey and report suspicious cases to public health officials. “
Cases of smallpox have seen a recent increase in cases over the past month with an outbreak of the virus in North America and Europe has spread mainly through sex between men.
The monkey’s smallpox does not spread as easily as COVID-19 and it is easier to identify close contacts and get vaccinated against the virus.