South Dakota reports first case of monkeypox in state resident

Alfonzo Galvan, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
·3 min read

The South Dakota Department of Health reported Thursday the first case of monkeypox in a South Dakota resident.

The male in his 30s from eastern South Dakota tested positive for orthopoxvirus, which was confirmed by state officials at the State Public Health Laboratory, according to a press release from the South Dakota DOH.

The specimen will be submitted to the CDC for confirmation as monkeypox according to the release.

“The number of monkeypox cases has grown substantially over the past two months in the U.S. and globally,” said Dr. Josh Clayton, state epidemiologist, in the release. “Prompt identification of the characteristic monkeypox rash by patients and clinicians is necessary to curb the transmission of this virus, although more cases are anticipated before the number of new cases slows.”

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Monkeypox can spread when a person comes into contact with the virus by having direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids. Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contacts such as kissing, cuddling or sex can spread the virus, according to the release.

While anyone can get monkeypox, cases have occurred disproportionately in men who have sex with men, according to the release.

The South Dakota Department of Health encourages individuals to contact their healthcare provider early if they develop symptoms of monkeypox to aid rapid detection and prevent ongoing transmission. More information about the virus, signs and symptoms, prevention, treatment, and more can be found on the CDC website or at doh.sd.gov.

Symptoms of monkeypox

  • Rash that looks like pimples or blisters that can occur in the mouth, genital and anal areas, or other parts of the face and body like the hands, feet, and chest.

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Muscle and backaches

  • Chills

  • Exhaustion

  • Swollen Lymph Nodes

How to prevent getting monkeypox

  • Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox

  • Do not handle or touch materials such as bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water

How many cases are there nationwide?

There have been 1,053 monkeypox cases reported in the United States as of Wednesday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. California is the state that has reported the highest number of cases, followed by New York, with 161 and 159, respectively.

Is there a vaccine for monkeypox?

More than 1.6 million vaccines to combat monkeypox will be released in the United States throughout the rest of the year, and anyone possibly exposed to the virus is encouraged to get vaccinated, federal health officials said in late-June.

Symptoms can begin to appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include fever, muscle aches, exhaustion and a rash that can appear on the body, according to reporting by USATODAY. While it can be fatal in areas with poor access to medical care, no deaths have been reported in the U.S. outbreak as of Thursday.

Got a story idea from your community? Email reporter Alfonzo Galvan at agalvan@argusleader.com or follow him on Twitter @GalvanReports.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: First monkeypox case detected in South Dakota resident