Monkeypox Case in New Mexico Probable | Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

New Mexico on Monday reported its first probable case of monkeypox, as announced by the state's Department of Health (DOH), according to KOAT Action 7.

The state's DOH reported that the individual who was suspected of having monkeypox returned from traveling out of New Mexico and was likely exposed through contact. The department added that the initial testing for the virus happened on Friday. The monkeypox patient in New Mexico was reportedly isolated at home and is doing well.

On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported at least 866 cases of monkeypox/orthopoxvirus across the United States.

New York has the highest number of cases, with at least 156 cases. California comes second with 148, and Illinois places third with 122 cases of monkeypox.

Monkeypox Symptoms

Monkeypox virus was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of pox-like disease in colonies of monkeys were kept for research. The first human case was reported in 1970.

According to reports, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to smallpox symptoms. However, it is milder, and it is not fatal.

The symptoms of this disease can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backaches, chills, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes.

Another notable symptom is a rash that looks like blisters or pimples. These rashes usually appear on the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest, and even the anus.

New Mexico's DOH noted that symptoms of monkeypox can appear 21 days after being exposed to the virus. The department said monkeypox infection can last two to four weeks.

A patient is considered no longer infectious once all scabs have fallen off and new skin has developed.

Monkeypox Treatment

According to CDC, there is still no treatment for monkeypox virus infections, but since it is similar to the smallpox virus, antiviral drugs and vaccines developed for smallpox can be used to prevent and treat monkeypox.

CDC noted that tecovirimat antiviral might be recommended for people who are likely to get severely ill due to the monkeypox virus, especially those with a weakened immune system.

For prevention, those infected are advised to isolate themselves at home until the infectious period is over.

New Mexico's DOH also advised those who have new or unexplained lesions in their body to avoid sex and being intimate with anyone until checked by a healthcare provider.

Gatherings with close, personal, and skin-to-skin contact are also not advisable to attend by those who have been diagnosed with monkeypox. Furthermore, using the same items, such as eating utensils and glass, are also not advisable.

CDC also advised people who have symptoms of monkeypox to seek the advice of a healthcare provider, even if they think they did not have contact with someone who has the monkeypox virus.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

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