Questions continue to circulate about the monkeypox virus and where it might be spreading throughout the country.
Where is the monkeypox virus right now?
Multiple reports suggest the monkeypox virus might be infecting people in specific areas. A Texas resident was exposed to the virus while in Nigeria, as I wrote for the Deseret News. The patient then took two flights back to Texas, stopping in Atlanta on a connecting flight.
- The man is currently hospitalized because of the virus, but he remains in stable condition, according to The Hill. It’s unclear if the Texas patient has left the hospital.
- The U.S. is currently monitoring close to 200 people who may have been exposed to the monkeypox virus, The Guardian reports.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently confirmed the first case of monkeypox, saying the virus is real and contagious. The CDC is now working with local health departments to monitor the virus.
- There are no major confirmed cases in these reports. But local health officials said they are monitoring potential cases.
Is there monkeypox in Ohio?
The Ohio Department of Health is monitoring one resident who has been placed under quarantine after potential exposure to monkeypox on the recent flight to Texas, according to News 5 Cleveland.
“We are currently monitoring one individual in Ohio in quarantine after traveling on the same flight as the individual in Dallas diagnosed with monkeypox, although it is believed the risk of exposure is low,” the ODH said, per News 5 Cleveland.
Is there a monkeypox in Colorado?
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment told KDVR it is monitoring two people who had potential exposure to the monkeypox virus. Both people remain healthy and appear to have no symptoms of the virus.
Should you worry about the monkeypox virus?
Per the CDC, “There is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection.”
- However, the U.S. has contained small outbreaks in the past, so health departments will continue to monitor cases. According to the CDC, health officials have stopped outbreaks using the smallpox vaccine, as well as some antiviral medication and the vaccinia immune globulin (VIG).