Presumptive case of monkeypox probed in South Florida

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A “presumptive” case of monkeypox is being investigated in South Florida, state well being officers mentioned Sunday.

Well being officers in Broward County and the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention are investigating the case which seems to be associated to worldwide journey, the Florida Division of Well being in Broward County mentioned in a information launch.

The particular person is in isolation, and native Division of Well being officers had been notifying individuals who might have been uncovered to the affected person, the information launch mentioned.

The well being company supplied no additional particulars in regards to the case.

Monkeypox is a virus that originates in wild animals like rodents and primates, and infrequently jumps to individuals. Most human circumstances have been in central and west Africa, the place the illness is endemic. Monkeypox is never recognized outdoors of Africa, however as of Friday, there have been 80 confirmed circumstances worldwide, together with at the least two in the US, and one other 50 suspected ones.

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Most sufferers solely expertise fever, physique aches, chills and fatigue. Folks with extra critical sickness might develop a rash and lesions on the face and palms that may unfold to different elements of the physique.

The Florida Division of Well being mentioned in its information launch that threat of publicity is low since its requires contact with lesions or objects which were contaminated by lesions.

On Sunday throughout his first public feedback on the illness, President Joe Biden mentioned, “It’s a concern in that if it had been to unfold it might be consequential.”