CORALVILLE, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reported a probable case of smallpox in the state on Friday.
Tests conducted by the Coralville State Hygiene Laboratory say the patient, who is from central-northern Iowa, was probably infected during international travel.
The patient has been reported to be isolated and receiving outpatient care.
The CDC reminds people that monkeypox does not spread easily among people without close contact. The likely ways to contract the virus are:
- direct contact with infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
- respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sexual intercourse.
The risk to the general public is low, but anyone with a rash that looks like smallpox from the monkey should talk to their healthcare provider.
More information about the virus and how to limit the risk of infection can be found on the monkeypox page of the CDC website.
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