Presumptive monkeypox case identified in Colorado
COLORADO (KRDO) -- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has confirmed a presumptive monkeypox case in the state, and says it's awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CDPHE officials say the patient recently traveled to Canada, where an outbreak of monkeypox is underway. Officials add the patient is cooperating with epidemiologists, who are now notifying people who may have been exposed. There are currently no other presumptive positive monkeypox cases in the state.
CDPHE officials say the risk to the public continues to be low. While anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case can acquire monkeypox, people who have recently traveled to a country where the virus has been reported, or men who have sex with other men, are currently at a higher risk for exposure.
The presumptive Colorado case is a young man who sought treatment in the Denver area. He is now isolating at home, and CDPHE reports his condition is improving.
Symptoms of monkeypox often begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion. Typically a rash develops between one and three days after the onset of fever and often begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. Most people recover within two to four weeks.
Officials say Coloradans can help prevent the spread of the virus by avoiding close physical contact with individuals who have acquired monkeypox, and contacting their doctor right away if they experience symptoms.
“We want to reassure Coloradans that the risk to the public is low, but we also want them to know of the symptoms so that we can catch other cases as soon as possible,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist. “We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of the CDC, local public health agencies, and health care providers in learning about, treating, and investigating this case.”
Two vaccines are available for the prevention of monkeypox, and Colorado is requesting vaccines from the federal government. The vaccines can be used to prevent infection or decrease the severity of infection.
Monkeypox outbreaks are currently occurring in Canada, the United Kingdom, and several European countries. Monkeypox is rare in the United States but has occurred in people who have traveled to other countries or among people who had contact with animals from areas where the disease is more common.
