editor@sfreporter.com
monkeypox virus particles
This electron microscopic (EM) image depicted monkeypox virus particles, obtained from a clinical sample associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. It was a thin section image from of a human skin sample. On the left were mature, oval-shaped virus particles, and on the right were the crescents, and spherical particles of immature virions. (CDC/ Cynthia S. Goldsmith)
The state health department today reported New Mexico’s first probable case of monkeypox. According to a DOH news release, the patient—who is currently doing well and isolating at home—returned from out-of-state travel and was likely exposed through contact. Initial testing was completed late Friday by the DOH Scientific Laboratory Division and confirmatory testing is being completed at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SFR has pending questions to DOH regarding the patient’s county of residence and travel location.
“Monkeypox is a very rare disease in the United States, and it’s important to keep in perspective that monkeypox does not spread as easily among people,” Acting Department of Health Secretary Dr. David Scrase said in a statement. “While the risk for most people remains low, anyone who has close contact with someone with monkeypox is at risk of infection, which makes this a public health concern for all of us.”
DOH also notes that monkeypox symptoms can mimic the more common syphilis infection, for which free testing is available via the state.
Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 21 days of exposure to the virus with flu-like symptoms, such as fever; headache; muscle aches and backache; swollen lymph nodes; chills, or exhaustion. From there, the infection progresses to rash or sores, often on the hands, feet, chest, face or genitals. Most infections last two to four weeks and a person is considered no longer infectious when all the scabs from the rash or sores have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed. People should isolate at home until they are no longer infectious. The CDC recommends a smallpox/monkeypox vaccine for anyone exposed to monkeypox.
Monkeypox can spread by:
- direct contact with monkeypox rash, sores or scabs from a person with monkeypox
- Contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox
- Contact with respiratory secretions, through kissing and other face-to-face contact
More information about monkeypox can also be found on both the DOH and CDC websites.
Additional information for providers can also be found on the CDC’s Health Alert Network page.
juliagoldberg@sfreporter.com
