PHOENIX – Health officials have announced the first likely case of monkeypox in Maricopa County.
Officials say the case involves a man in his 30s who is in solitary confinement and is recovering.
The alleged positive case is subject to additional confirmatory testing with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Smallpox is a virus that is transmitted mainly by skin-to-skin contact, as well as by respiratory secretions during prolonged close contact.
ABC15 spoke with Dr. Janice Johnston, chief medical officer of Redirect Health last month, who shared more information about smallpox-related illness. Watch the video on the following player:
How the monkey’s smallpox spreads, mitigation recommendations
Smallpox is still rare in both the United States and our state.
Health officials say “the monkey’s smallpox usually starts with a fever, which may be accompanied by:
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- swollen lymph nodes
- Shivers
- Exhaustion
One or three days after the onset of the fever, a rash begins, which often begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. The eruption may begin with small, flat, round discolorations that rise and fill with liquid (clear or pus) before the crust. These stains and the fluid they contain carry the virus that can infect others. Once the crusts fall off, the area is no longer infectious. These spots or lesions can appear on any part of the skin, genitals or inside the mouth. Most patients with Monkeypox recover completely from the virus without treatment. “Don Herrington, the interim director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, said health officials are working to identify and respond quickly to possible cases.
“It’s important to keep in mind that monkeypox is highly controllable by simple precautions,” Herrington said.
Health officials say the best way to prevent the spread of monkeypox and other viruses is to wash your hands after touching someone, wear a mask when in a crowded indoor space, and stay home. if you are sick with fever or respiratory symptoms. Always avoid touching a rash or injury to another person’s skin.