First confirmed positive monkeypox case in Pueblo County
PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Tuesday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed a positive monkeypox case in Pueblo County.
The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) told KRDO this is the first confirmed monkeypox case in the county that they're "aware of."
The state is completing the case investigation and contact tracing associated with this case.
“The presence of this virus in Pueblo County is unwelcome news, but not a surprise, and I am hopeful this person recovers quickly,” said Randy Evetts, public health director at the PDPHE, in a press release. “We have been closely following the global spread of hMPXV and continue to maintain close communication with experts from CDPHE.”
According to health officials, to date, there have been 5,189 cases identified in the U.S., in 48 states and the District of Columbia.
“We urge anyone with symptoms to isolate and contact their healthcare provider. We will continue to work with CDPHE as they complete their investigation and contact tracing,” said Evetts in a press release.
However, Pueblo health officials are urging people who have symptoms not to go to the emergency room but instead contact their health care provider.
The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment said the fatality rate is less than 1 percent.
"We see people go to the hospital mainly for pain management, not for serious complications, but it's going to be focused on the rash and not so much individual like I said passing away," said Sofia Montoya, Epidemiologist for the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment.
For more information on monkeypox, click here.
Eligible, high-risk Coloradans must request an appointment online, which will include a symptom screening process where Coloradans can self-attest to their eligibility and receive a follow-up confirmation email to schedule a vaccine appointment. Those who are unable to receive a vaccination through CDPHE and think or know they have been exposed to monkeypox should contact a health care provider as soon as possible.
