Health leaders observe first Monkeypox case in Yakima County
This iamge provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) shows a colorized transmission electron micrograph of monkeypox particles (orange) found within an infected cell (brown), cultured in the laboratory. This image was captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Md. The World Health Organization recently declared the expanding monkeypox outbreak a global emergency. It is WHO’s highest level of alert, but the designation does not necessarily mean a disease is particularly transmissible or lethal.
YAKIMA, Wash. — One subject in Yakima County has tested positive for monkeypox as is isolating at home through their infectious stage, according to local health leaders.
In a public notice issued on July 28, the Yakima Health District confirmed that this patient has the first known case of Monkeypox in their area. This is the second case being investigated in Eastern Washington after a Benton County man was flagged on July 21.
RELATED: ‘The risk to the general public is low’ BFHD investigating monkeypox case in Eastern WA
YHD Emergency Response Coordinator Nathan Johnson explained how Yakima County plans to move forward with vaccines for the disease.
“The Yakima Health District has received a very limited amount of the monkeypox vaccine. At this time, only close contacts are eligible for the monkeypox vaccine,” Johnson said. “If you experience any symptoms of monkeypox or develop a rash, contact your healthcare provider.”
Yakima County health leaders are contact tracing to inform anyone who might be at risk of contracting the disease.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT MONKEYPOX:
- July 21: WHO again considers declaring monkeypox a global emergency
- July 17: As Monkeypox Cases Spike, U.S. Orders More Vaccine, Boosts Testing
- July 7: Health officials: Monkeypox likely spreading in King County
- June 16: Oregon reports first probable case of monkeypox
Below is a description of the disease as published by state health leaders:
Monkeypox is a viral disease that can cause rashes and other symptoms. It does not commonly occur in the US, but there is currently an outbreak of monkeypox with cases spreading in Washington state and across the country, as well as in many other countries. Many of the current cases are occurring in men who have sex with men, although monkeypox can spread person-to-person with any kind of close, skin-to-skin contact.
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