First Monkeypox case identified in Mississippi – Daily Leader

Monday, the Mississippi State Division of Well being reported its first case of Monkeypox in a state resident.

The specimen was examined on the MSDH Public Well being Laboratory. An investigation to determine individuals who could have encountered the affected person whereas they have been infectious is ongoing. Incubation of the illness after publicity is one to 2 weeks.

As of July 22, 2022, there have been 2,891 instances confirmed in america with no reported deaths. Whereas that is Mississippi’s first reported case, it’s seemingly extra might be recognized.

Previous to July 22, Mississippi was one in all solely 5 U.S. states with no reported instances of the virus. Others have been Vermont, Maine, Montana and Wyoming.

Transmission can happen with shut skin-to-skin contact — kissing, cuddling or intercourse — with an contaminated particular person. Transmission can even 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.

“Whereas anybody can get Monkeypox, most of the instances recognized within the outbreak within the U.S. and globally have been amongst males who’ve intercourse with males,” mentioned State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.

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 akin to syphilis and herpes, or with chickenpox.

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

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

Medical suppliers are inspired to think about Monkeypox an infection and to inform MSDH when evaluating sufferers with a rash, particularly if there are recognized danger components.