First case of Monkeypox identified in Mississippi – The Oxford Eagle

On Monday, the Mississippi State Division of Well being is reporting its first case of Monkeypox in a Mississippi resident.

The specimen was examined on the Mississippi State Division of Well being Public Well being Laboratory. An investigation to determine individuals who could have encountered the affected person whereas they have been infectious is ongoing. Growth (incubation) of the illness after publicity is one to 2 weeks.

Nationally – as of July 22, 2022 – 2,891 circumstances have been confirmed with no reported deaths.  Whereas that is the primary reported case in MS, it stays seemingly that different circumstances might be recognized as properly.

Signs embrace fever, physique aches, chills, fatigue and the bumps on elements of the physique. The sickness has been comparatively delicate in lots of males, and nobody has died within the U.S. However individuals will be contagious for weeks, and the lesions will be extraordinarily painful.

Transmission can happen with shut skin-to pores and skin contact – kissing, cuddling or intercourse – with an contaminated particular person. Transmission may also happen by touching clothes or linens, bedding, or towels of an contaminated particular person, or inhaling the respiratory droplets throughout extended shut contact with an contaminated particular person. In keeping with State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers, “Whereas anybody can get Monkeypox, lots of the circumstances recognized within the outbreak within the US and globally have been amongst males who’ve intercourse with males.”

Though it’s been shifting via the inhabitants like a sexually transmitted illness, officers have been expecting different kinds of unfold that might increase the outbreak. There have been a number of circumstances like that: Officers on Friday mentioned they have been conscious of two kids with monkeypox within the U.S., and a minimum of eight girls.

Monkeypox is a uncommon illness attributable to an infection with the Monkeypox virus.

Signs could begin out as a fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and muscle aches, adopted by a rash that begins out as flat after which advances to pimples, or blisters and ulcers on the face, physique and personal elements (sexual organs). The rash will be itchy and painful. It may be confused with sexually transmitted infections resembling syphilis and herpes, or with chickenpox.

The sickness sometimes lasts two to 4 weeks. Typically, individuals get a rash first, adopted by different signs. Others solely expertise a rash.

The Mississippi State Division of Well being has acquired restricted doses of vaccine that might be used to deal with MSDH recognized people uncovered to a case of Monkeypox.

Medical suppliers are inspired to contemplate Monkeypox an infection and to inform MSDH when evaluating sufferers with a rash, particularly if there are recognized threat elements.

Observe MSDH by e mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/join.