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Haywood County -- June 24, 2022: Haywood County NC Health and Human Services announced the confirmation of the first case of Monkey Pox in the county.Monkeypox is an uncommon disease
caused by monkeypox viral infection. The monkeypox virus is a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus in the family Poxviridae. In addition to variola virus (which causes smallpox) and vaccinia virus (used in smallpox vaccination), the Orthopoxvirus genus also contains cowpox virus. Monkeypox and chickenpox have no relationship.
In 1958, when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of captive monkeys, monkeypox was first identified. Despite being called "monkeypox," the disease's origin remains uncertain. Nonetheless, African rodents and non-human primates (such as monkeys) may host the virus and transmit it to humans.
In 1970, the first human case of monkeypox was documented. Since then, cases of monkeypox have been documented in several additional central and western African nations. Prior to the epidemic of 2022, nearly all cases of monkeypox outside of Africa were attributed to foreign travel to places where the disease is prevalent or to imported animals.
CDC Information
2022 U.S. Monkeypox Cases
CDC is tracking multiple cases of monkeypox that have been reported in several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States.
CDC is urging healthcare providers in the U.S. to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox.
CDC is working with state and local health officials to identify people who may have been in contact with individuals who have tested positive for monkeypox, so they can monitor their health.
Monkeypox is rare and does not spread easily between people without close contact. The threat of monkeypox to the general U.S. population remains LOW.
How It Spreads
Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:
Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
Pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.
Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if monkeypox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids.
Wnctimes by Marjorie Farrington
