Texas man returns from Nigeria with case of monkeypox

DALLAS — A Dallas resident has been hospitalized in secure situation underneath isolation after coming back from Nigeria with the first-ever Texas case of monkeypox, well being officers revealed Friday.

In an announcement, federal and state well being officers mentioned the traveler arrived at Dallas Love Subject on July 9 from Atlanta after an in a single day flight from Nigeria.

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention says the danger to others on the flights and within the airport is low, particularly in gentle of COVID-19-related masking policies. Nevertheless, efforts are underway to contact his fellow passengers.

Monkeypox is a uncommon viral pox-like illness from the smallpox household, solely milder. It may be transmitted via respiratory droplets, contact with physique fluids or contact with an contaminated animal or animal merchandise.

The primary human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970 within the Democratic Republic of Congo. The US noticed a big outbreak amongst people in 2003 after the virus unfold from imported African rodents to pet prairie canines. Nevertheless, that is believed to be the primary monkeypox virus an infection in a Texas resident, in accordance with Dallas County well being officers.

Monkeypox signs sometimes start with flu-like sickness and swelling of the lymph nodes, then a widespread rash on the face and physique, in accordance with the CDC. Most infections final 2-4 weeks. Infections with this pressure of monkeypox are deadly in about 1 in 100 individuals, however the mortality charge could be larger amongst these with weakened immune techniques.