A case of monkeypox has been preliminarily identified in Louisville.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) said initial testing has been completed. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will conduct additional testing.
The patient, a Jefferson County resident, has been isolated and health officials are currently attempting to identify anyone the patient recently came into contact with.
As of June 27, there have been 243 monkeypox cases reported around the country by the CDC. Two cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, and Virginia. Illinois has 27 cases of the virus.
“Identifying the first case of monkeypox in Kentucky is concerning but not surprising,” KDPH Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said. “Fortunately, the risk to the general public remains low. We continue to work closely with CDC and our local health department and healthcare partners to contain the spread of this virus.”
According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services:
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus can spread when a person comes into contact with the virus from an infected animal, infected person or materials contaminated with the virus. Monkeypox virus spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact and during intimate contact between people.
Monkeypox virus infection typically begins with a fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion, followed by a rash. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks and individuals are considered contagious while symptoms are present. Individuals concerned about monkeypox virus should contact their health care provider.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
