Lubbock Investigating Probable First Case of Monkeypox
The City of Lubbock is reporting that the Monkeypox virus may be in Lubbock. The Lubbock Health Department announced the probable first case of Monkeypox after initial testing was done at the Texas Tech University Bioterrorism Response Laboratory. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is attempting to confirm the testing done.
The City of Lubbock says it's "highly likely" that this test will be confirmed. The Lubbock Health Department has already started doing a follow up on the case. According to a press release by the City of Lubbock, the general public should not be alarmed nor is the general public in danger.
The communicable disease surveillance group at the City of Lubbock Public Health Department is obtaining details on the case. Identified close contacts to the case will be notified, asked to monitor for symptoms and when clinically appropriate offered vaccine. Currently, the general public is not considered at risk because people with Monkeypox in this outbreak report having close, sustained physical contact with other people who have Monkeypox.
Monkeypox can spread through contact with body fluids, lesions or shared items that have been contaminated with fluids by a person with Monkeypox such as bedding. In some instances, Monkeypox can also spread through respiratory droplets to persons in close proximity after prolonged exposure. Symptoms of Monkeypox may include rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes and body aches.
As of yesterday, 35 cases of Monkeypox had been confirmed in Texas. All patients have been men between the ages of 21 and 39.
For any questions about Monkeypox, call 806-775-2933.
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