TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas health officials say they have identified the state’s first suspected case of monkeypox.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Saturday that the patient was an elderly Johnson County resident who had recently traveled out of state. The ministry said the risk of infection remains low for the general public.
“The risk of monkeypox spreading to Kansas remains low,” Janet Stanek, secretary of KDHE, said in a press release. “If you are experiencing symptoms of monkeypox disease, it is important to stay home and contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to avoid spreading the disease to others.”
Symptoms to look for:
- Fever
- Headache
- A rash that looks like pimples or blisters
- Muscle pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Shivering
- Exhaustion
KDHE recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms of monkeypox contact their healthcare provider immediately.
The monkeypox vaccine is available to those who are known to have had contact with someone else with a case of monkeypox. However, vaccine availability is extremely limited in the United States. KDHE will expand eligibility as additional doses become available.
If you have questions about the monkeypox virus, you can call 1-866-KDHEINF (534-3463) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email them with your questions.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Add Comment