The first case of Monkeypox in North Carolina has been reported, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Monkeypox is rare but is a serious illness that usually involves flu-like symptoms, swelling of the lymph nodes and a rash that includes bumps that are initially filled with fluid before scabbing over, according to NCDHHS.
The illness can be confused with sexually transmitted infections like syphilis or herpes, according to health officials. The infection can last from two to four weeks.
NCDHHS says it is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, relevant local health departments and the patient’s health care providers to identify and notify individuals who may have been in contact with the patient while they were infectious.
Normally the illness is spread by skin-to-skin contact. The infected person is isolating at home and no further information is being shared.
The number of monkeypox cases has been growing in the U.S. and globally, said Dr. Zack Moore, state epidemiologist and epidemiology section chief. Though this is the first confirmed case in North Carolina, we know there are likely other cases in the state. We are encouraging doctors to consider this in people who have a rash or skin lesion that looks like monkeypox.
