Monkeypox has been detected in Chicago, state and metropolis well being officers introduced Thursday.
The primary possible case of the uncommon illness was found Wednesday in a person who not too long ago returned to Chicago from Europe, in response to an announcement from the Illinois Division of Public Well being and the Chicago Division of Public Well being.
The person didn’t require hospitalization and is remoted at residence in good situation, authorities mentioned. Individuals he has been involved with are being contacted to stop the unfold of the virus.
“The case stays remoted and presently there isn’t any indication that there’s a excessive danger of in depth native unfold of the virus, as monkeypox doesn’t unfold as simply because the COVID-19 virus,” in response to the assertion.
Federal well being officers are working to verify the prognosis, officers mentioned.
Most monkeypox infections final two to 4 weeks, officers mentioned.
The virus, which originates in wild animals equivalent to rodents and primates, is transmitted to individuals via contaminated animals, with most circumstances occurring in central and western Africa. Nonetheless, person-to-person transmission is feasible via shut bodily contact with monkeypox sores, objects which have been contaminated with fluids or sores, or via respiratory droplets after extended face-to-face contact, officers mentioned. .
Monkeypox is in the identical household of viruses as smallpox and may trigger fever, physique aches, chills, and fatigue. Individuals with a extreme monkeypox an infection might develop a rash and lesions on the face and palms that may unfold to different components of the physique.
The virus is unfold via contact with bodily fluids and shut contact with a sick particular person, their clothes or sheets, in response to authorities. Early knowledge from the outbreak that seems to have began in Europe earlier than it unfold to Canada and america suggests homosexual, bisexual and different males who’ve intercourse with males make up numerous early circumstances, officers mentioned.
Anybody who has signs or develops an uncommon rash ought to see a physician, who can take a look at for monkeypox and supply remedy, together with smallpox vaccines which can be efficient towards monkeypox, officers mentioned.
Roughly 19 circumstances of monkeypox have been reported from 10 states, in response to the Facilities for Illness Management.
Kristen Thometz of WTTW Information contributed to this story.
Contact Heather Cherone: @HeatherCherone | (773) 569-1863 | [email protected]
