The Ohio Department of Health has identified a probable case of monkeypox infection in an adult man within the state, said Director Bruce Vanderhoff on Monday.
Confirmatory testing with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is pending, he cautioned.
Vanderhoff noted that the monkeypox virus does not spread easily — generally through direct contact — and said the risk in general to Ohioans “is very low,” adding it’s “nothing like COVID-19.”
The state health department is working with federal and local health authorities and the patient to ensure proper care. The patient is in isolation and following medical guidance. No further details about him will be provided by the state.
More on monkeypox:WHO convenes meetings, steps up response on ‘atypical’ surge in monkeypox cases
Monkeypox is a rare disease typically found in central and west Africa, but some recent cases have popped up in Europe and North America, causing some alarm. There are 49 confirmed cases in the U.S. so far, and no recorded deaths as of Monday.
Monkeypox can spread through large respiratory droplets, but that typically requires prolonged face-to-face contact.
Anybody experiencing monkeypox symptoms, particularly rashes, should contact their health care provider as soon as possible. The virus typically begins with flulike symptoms and swollen lymph nodes, per the CDC. Fever, muscle aches, chills and fatigue can occur.
Those infected with monkeypox usually begin experiencing symptoms seven to 14 days after infection, the CDC said. The illness usually lasts several weeks.
“Anybody can get monkeypox,” said Vanderhoff, “even though most cases… in the United States have occurred among men who have sex with men.”
President Joe Biden has said there are enough vaccines on hand to cover outbreaks in the U.S.
Reporting from USA Today contributed.
Titus Wu is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.
