Indiana Department of Health identifies state's first probable monkeypox case
The first probable case of monkeypox in Indiana has been identified, the state's department of health said in a news release Saturday evening.
The test conducted by the Indiana Department of Health was positive, the release stated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will perform a second set of tests to check the initial positive result.
The patient, who was not identified because of privacy concerns, is isolated and health officials are working to check on close contacts. The patient's location also was not disclosed.
The news regarding this case comes during an uptick in monkepox cases around the world and in the U.S. There are 113 confirmed cases of monkeypox in 21 states, according to the CDC. The Indiana case is not listed on the website as of Saturday night because the list is only updated from Monday through Friday each week.
More on monkeypox: Here's why zoonotic diseases like monkeypox are on the rise
According to the department of health, monkeypox transmission is possible through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores or contaminated items, such as bedding or clothing. It also can be transmitted through droplets transmitted during prolonged face-to-face contact.
Monkeypox symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches and exhaustion, begin about five to 21 days after exposure. Within about one to three days after the fever starts, the person exposed will develop a rash that typically starts on the face and then spreads.
The illness lasts about two to four weeks, according to the release. People are considered infectious until all of the scabs from the rash fall off.
One method to prevent infection is washing hands frequently and thoroughly, Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said in the release.
“The risk of monkeypox among the general public continues to be extremely low,” Box said. “Monkeypox is rare and does not easily spread through brief casual contact.”
Contact Madison Smalstig at MSmalstig@gannett.com or 765-717-2758.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: State health officials identify first probable Indiana monkeypox case
