First Potential Case of Monkeypox Identified in Nebraska

First Potential Case of Monkeypox Identified in Nebraska
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June 27th, 2022 | DHHS News Release / KNEB News Staff

Authorities say a man in his 30’s has been diagnosed with what will likely be the first case of Monkeypox identified in Nebraska.

According to a release from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, DHHS and the Douglas County Health Department have identified a Nebraska resident with a positive orthopoxvirus test confirmed by the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory that is expected to be confirmed as monkeypox by follow up testing by the CDC.

The unidentified patient had recent international travel, and DHHS is working with DCHD and CDC to investigate potential exposures, and will notify those individuals if any exposures are identified.

The release says while monkeypox is not a traditional sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted through prolonged physical contact, and currently the outbreak is disproportionately affecting gay and bisexual men who are sexually active. However, anyone with prolonged physical contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk of developing monkeypox.

DHHS strongly recommends that anyone who is experiencing symptoms of an unexplained rash on their extremities or lower torso that may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms to contact their healthcare provider.

More information regarding monkeypox can be found on the CDC website.

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