The first probable case of monkeypox in New Mexico was announced July 11, the Albuquerque Journal reported.
According to the Department of Health, the patient had just returned from a trip out of state, where they were likely exposed by contact, the story said. Initial testing was conducted July 8 by the Department of Health Scientific Laboratory Division. The CDC is currently working on confirming the results, the Journal reported.
“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," Dr. David R. Scrase, acting Department of Health secretary of New Mexico, said, the Journal reported. "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.”
The infected patient is doing well and continues to isolate at home, Scrase said.
Monkeypox symptoms start 21 days after exposure, first as flu-like then expands to a rash or sores, the Journal reported. The rash and sores are typically found on the hands, feet, chest, face or genitals. The infections typically last two to 4 weeks, and when the scabs fall off, it is no longer contagious, the story said.
