A probable case of monkeypox was recently reported in the state, according to a New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) press release.
If confirmed, it would be the state’s first case of monkeypox – a rare disease that has occurred throughout the world in the past few months.
The unnamed patient underwent testing after traveling out of state. He or she is isolated and recovering at home, the press release noted.
“Monkeypox is a very rare disease in the United States, and it’s important to keep in perspective that monkeypox does not spread as easily among people,” David Scrase, acting Department of Health secretary, said in the press release. “While the risk for most people remains low, anyone who has close contact with someone with monkeypox is at risk of infection, which makes this a public health concern for all of us.”
Monkeypox symptoms can start within 21 days of exposure to the virus, according to the press release. People who are exposed can experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. Rashes can also appear. The duration of the infection is normally two to four weeks.
Anyone who experiences symptoms of monkeypox should immediately isolate themselves, contact their health care provider, and report the possible exposure, the press release noted. If the patient has no health care provider or insurance, he or she should contact a Public Health Office to make an appointment.
The monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox, according to the CDC’s website. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms but milder; the disease is rarely fatal.
