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The first case of monkeypox has been reported in Lyon County, according to a news release from Carson City Health and Human Services.
The case is isolating at home and does not require hospitalization, the release said. CCHHS has investigated and conducted contact tracing. No additional cases have been identified.
“We would advise people to be mindful of the symptoms of monkeypox and contact your medical provider if you develop those symptoms,” Nicki Aaker, director of Carson City Health and Human Services, said in the release. “Our staff is working diligently to prevent future transmission but it’s up to all of us to be aware of monkeypox and take steps to prevent contracting it.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, monkeypox is rare and spreads from person to person through close physical contact. Monkeypox is in the same family as smallpox and is rarely fatal. It can cause a fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, chills and swollen lymph nodes followed by the development of a rash that can look like pimples or blisters. Symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after exposure but can range from 5 to 21 days. Most patients have mild illness and recover at home.
Take the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:
• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Monkeypox vaccines are limited, and doses are currently reserved for known contacts of cases and protection for those at high risk for contracting monkeypox.
If you think you have monkeypox, contact your primary care physician or other medical provider to obtain testing. Notify the provider ahead of time before entering the physical office.
For information on Monkeypox visit cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html.