Texas has reported the first known death from monkeypox in the United States.
The person was “severely” immunocompromised, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), which is investigating the case to determine what role monkeypox played in the death.
The news comes as monkeypox was declared a public health emergency in the U.S. earlier this month by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). That move opened up more federal funds to mitigate the outbreak, including a vaccine strategy and expanded testing capacity. Monkeypox is characterized by a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, respiratory symptoms and more. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), there are 18,417 confirmed cases in the U.S. as of Aug. 30.
“Monkeypox is a serious disease, particularly for those with weakened immune systems,” John Hellerstedt, MD, DSHS commissioner, said in a statement. “We continue to urge people to seek treatment if they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms consistent with the disease.”
With the first death in the U.S. attributed to the monkeypox virus, Texas health officials advised that people should contact their healthcare provider if they exhibit symptoms of monkeypox. People diagnosed with the virus should stay home and avoid close contact with others until the rash has fully resolved, the scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed. The officials noted that monkeypox is not life threatening for most people but it is painful.
Those who have been exposed to the virus are eligible to be vaccinated against it. High-risk people may also be eligible for vaccination.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."