The first case of monkeypox in North Carolina has been reported, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.Officials did not release where the case of monkeypox was reported, but said it was not in the Charlotte area.Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious, viral illness that typically 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. Health officials said the illness could be confused with a sexually transmitted infection like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox). Most infections last 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. Monkeypox is typically spread by skin-to-skin contact. The person is currently isolating at home. No further information will be shared about this case to protect the patient’s privacy. “The number of monkeypox cases has been growing in the US 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.”
The first case of monkeypox in North Carolina has been reported, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Officials did not release where the case of monkeypox was reported, but said it was not in the Charlotte area.
Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious, viral illness that typically 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.
Health officials said the illness could be confused with a sexually transmitted infection like syphilis or herpes, or with varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox). Most infections last 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.
Monkeypox is typically spread by skin-to-skin contact. The person is currently isolating at home. No further information will be shared about this case to protect the patient’s privacy.
“The number of monkeypox cases has been growing in the US 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.”
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