SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Sacramento County Public Health officials say they are investigating a possible travel-related case of monkeypox virus.
The probable case – the first in California – was announced by public health officials on Tuesday.
READ MORE: A gun was found in the office of a sophomore at South Sacramento School, the county says
“This case seems to be related to a recent trip to Europe,” said Dr Olivia Cassirie, a public health officer in Sacramento County.
Dr Cassier noted that the risk to the general public was “extremely low”.
California Department of Public Health officials say they began investigating the alleged case as early as Saturday. The person initially tested positive for the orthopox virus and is now being isolated.
“Because the disease is rare, health care providers may not be aware of the presentation of monkeypox, and the possibility of transmitting monkeypox during intimate or sexual contact may not be well known,” said the California epidemiologist. r Erika Pan in a statement. “As such, the CDPH promotes awareness among healthcare providers and the public, including appropriate control of monkeypox infections in healthcare facilities.
Although it is not a sexually transmitted disease, the World Health Organization says the most recent jump in monkeypox cases is spread mainly through sex between men, entering the body through injured skin, airways or eyes, nose or mouth.
READ MORE: Call Kurtis investigates whether you get what you paid for at the pump
Healthcare professionals in Europe have raised concerns about an outbreak of the rare disease in recent weeks. So far, more than 90 cases have been reported in a dozen countries – including the United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, France, Switzerland, Australia and the United States.
Only one case of monkeypox has been confirmed in the United States, a man in Boston. However, other suspected cases have been reported in Florida and New York.
While a confirmation test from both the CDC and the California Department of Public Health is pending, Sacramento County officials say their symptoms and preliminary tests make them believe the confirmation of monkeypox is likely for their case.
UC Davis Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Dean Bloomberg says there are things we already know about the monkeypox virus.
“Monkeypox is a viral infection and is transmitted mainly through animals such as rodents and primates in Central and West Africa to humans, but it can also be transmitted from person to person through prolonged close contact with someone,” he said.
People suffering from monkeypox will show distinctive rashes and lesions. It can be spread through close contact with someone who is infected. Other common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. Health officials say the incubation period can range from 5 to 21 days, with the disease usually lasting 2 to 4 weeks.
MORE NEWS: Elk Grove Zoo may open by summer 2027
The smallpox vaccine, which works to protect against monkeypox, is provided to public health authorities.
Add Comment