Greene County resident tests positive for monkeypox, according to health department

A Greene County resident has tested positive for monkeypox, according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, and epidemiologists have contacted those who have been exposed.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has reported three cases in Missouri.

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Monkeypox, which is not related to chickenpox, is a virus in the same family as smallpox and cowpox. Monkeypox most commonly spreads through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact. The risk of infection to the general public is low, according to the health department.

Symptoms include a blistering rash on the face, hands, chest, genitals, anus or inside the mouth; fever; headache; muscle and back aches; swollen lymph nodes; chills and exhaustion.

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If people have symptoms or have been exposed to monkeypox, the health department and health care providers ask that they avoid urgent care, clinics or the emergency room unless they are in need of immediate medical care.

For more information on the virus, people can visit health.springfieldmo.gov/monkeypox.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Health dept.: Greene County resident tests positive for monkeypox