A Maryland resident recently returned from Nigeria with a case of monkeypox.
Scientists from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said that they are working with the Maryland Department of Health and other partners in order to further investigate the matter.
“CDC laboratory scientists confirmed yesterday that the patient had monkeypox. This infection matches the strain that has reemerged in Nigeria since 2017. The CDC released a Wednesday statement stating that the person is currently isolated in Maryland.
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In a statement, the Department of Health stated that the person was experiencing mild symptoms and is not being hospitalized.
Officials noted that the general public doesn’t need to take any special precautions.
The CDC stated that it was working with international counterparts, the airline, state and local health officials in Washington, D.C. to reach airline passengers and other people who may have come in contact with the patient.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, passengers flying to the United States were required by law to wear masks at airports and on planes. Therefore, it’s believed the risk of spread of monkeypox virus via respiratory droplets to others on the planes is low. “CDC is collaborating with airlines and state and local partners in health to assess potential risks to people who may have had close contacts with the traveler on the aircraft and after they arrive in the United States,” said the agency.
“Public health officials have identified and continue following up with those who may be in contact with the diagnosed person,” Dr. Jinlene Chan said, Maryland Department of Health deputy Secretary for public health. “Our coordinated response with CDC officials demonstrates that it is important to maintain a strong infrastructure for public health.”
Americans should be aware of poxvirus-like symptoms, especially among travelers from Nigeria.
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Clinicians should immediately report suspected cases to the state or local public healthcare authorities, regardless of whether they are also investigating other possible diagnoses.
Monkeypox, which belongs to the same virus family as smallpox can be spread by direct contact with body fluids or lesions, or contaminated materials such as clothing or large respiratory droplets.
A rare but potentially dangerous viral illness, smallpox, generally causes milder infections than smallpox.
Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, swelling of the lymph glands, and a generalized rash on the skin and body.
People who have been exposed to this case will be monitored for symptoms 21 days after exposure.
Human monkeypox is most common in central and western Africa.
After more than 40 year without any cases, the CDC stated that the illness reemerged again in Nigeria in 2017.
Since then, 218 cases of the disease have been confirmed in Nigeria. Eight cases were reported by international travelers to Nigeria from Nigeria, one in Texas, and one in Nigeria.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press
Source: Fox News
