Monkeypox reaches Johnson County, but risk is low, officials say. Here's what you need to know.
Johnson County Public Health reported the first local case of monkeypox Tuesday afternoon, according to a news release.
It is the fifth reported in the state.
Sam Jarvis, the Johnson County community health division manager, told the Press-Citizen his department believes there is a low risk to Johnson County residents being infected with the virus. Jarvis said his department is working to learn more about exposures and talk to close contacts of the person who tested positive and inform them about steps they can take to monitor their health.
Jarvis didn't address the unidentified patient's status, but said symptoms have been mild for cases across the country, particularly when compared to diseases like smallpox.
"I don't believe there is any hospitalizations in the state of Iowa, which is great news. For the most part (monkeypox) will be an illness that we monitor, we work towards prevention and make sure folks get into the care that they need," Jarvis said.
Jarvis said his department recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing and people have a heightened awareness around public health. He cautioned them to remember that this is a different disease than the coronavirus.
"Everyone is very hyper-aware and probably concerned about hearing about another rare disease spreading. But we want to point out these very specific facts to help ease concern," Jarvis said.
More: What you need to know about monkeypox, including symptoms
What is monkeypox and what are the symptoms?
Monkeypox is a rare disease in the same family of viruses as smallpox, according to the CDC. Symptoms are similar to smallpox, but milder. The disease is rarely fatal.
It can spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex, according to the CDC. It is much less transmissible than fast-spreading respiratory diseases like COVID-19. This outbreak has not caused any deaths in the United States.
People with monkeypox sometimes develop a flu-like illness with fever, fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes followed by a rash. In other instances, people can develop a rash with or without swollen lymph nodes, which can occur on the genitals or around the anus or both. Those in close contact should keep an eye on symptoms.
Many cases in this year's outbreak have reported mild or no symptoms other than a rash, as reported by the Tennessean.
People usually develop monkeypox seven to 14 days — and up to 21 days — after being exposed.
Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed, according to the CDC. Most people recover in two to four weeks. However, monkeypox can be serious in rare instances, especially for immunocompromised people, children and those who are pregnant.
"Transmission is primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infectious rash, the scab and the bodily fluid from those," Jarvis said. "Since that is the primary mechanism, it is not as transmissible as what folks are familiar with with COVID-19 being a purely respiratory virus."
Johnson County Public Health is encouraging the following individuals to seek guidance from their medical provider:
Those who recently traveled to an area where monkeypox cases have been reported and have symptoms of monkeypox, especially a rash or sores. You can find a list of the countries where monkeypox has been reported on the CDC website.
People who have symptoms of monkeypox, particularly the characteristic rash or sores.
People who were in contact with a confirmed or suspected monkeypox case.
Virus spreading in Iowa and other U.S. states
Iowa's first case of monkeypox was reported in an adult from the north-central part of the state on July 2. Another three were reported in the following weeks, including in Polk County on July 11.
There have been 2,108 monkeypox cases reported in the United States as of Wednesday, according to the CDC. New York is the state that has reported the highest number of cases, followed by California, with 581 and 267, respectively.
All of Iowa's neighboring states, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, South Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, also have reported cases.
Jarvis said it is his department's job to provide context about the monkeypox virus and not discuss case investigations, contact tracing, incubation periods and quarantines.
"Everyone is acutely aware of what those things mean for COVID-19," Jarvis said.
More: Swimming not recommended at these 11 Iowa beaches due to high bacteria levels, DNR says
Is there a vaccine for monkeypox?
Jarvis said there is a vaccine for monkeypox by JYNNEOS. He said the federal government already has some in stock and is continuing to procure more doses. The Food and Drug Administration says this vaccine is for prevention of smallpox and monkeypox disease in adults 18 and older determined to be at high risk for infection.
Jarvis said vaccination is currently limited to people who were exposed and who are identified through case investigations.
"At this point in time, vaccination is not available to the larger general public," Jarvis said.
More: What Iowans need to know about the new COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months old and up
George Shillcock is the Press-Citizen's local government and development reporter covering Iowa City and Johnson County. He can be reached at (515) 350-6307, GShillcock@press-citizen.com and on Twitter @ShillcockGeorge
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Johnson County health officials say risk of monkeypox exposure is low
