First monkeypox case confirmed in Fresno area. Here’s what you need to know

A Tulare County resident has been confirmed to be infected with the monkeypox virus.

It is the first case reported in the county and the first in the central San Joaquin Valley since an outbreak of the rare virus was first discovered in Sacramento in May.

“The case is in isolation, recovering at home,” Tulare County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught said Thursday in a news release.

“We are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this case, identifying close contacts, and notifying them of their potential exposure.”

The number of probable/confirmed cases of monkeypox has been growing in California and across the county.

According to the California Department of Public Health, 186 cases had been reported in the state as of Tuesday.

There have been 1,053 confirmed cases across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fresno County health caution

Earlier this month, Dr. Rais Vohra, interim health officer for the Fresno County Department of Public Health, said he had no doubt of the presence of the monkeypox virus in Fresno and that it was “only a matter of time” before the first case is reported in Fresno County.

Monkeypox is in the same family as the virus that causes smallpox and is not related to chickenpox, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of the disease are similar to that of smallpox, but milder, and include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. Infected patients usually develop a rash on the face that spreads to other parts of the body. Lesions then progress through several stages before falling off.

The virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with the rash, respiratory secretions or sexual contact. The incubation period is usually seven to 14 days, but can range from five to 21 days.

Monkeypox is rarely fatal and so far there have been no reported deaths related to the disease, according to the CDC.

“It is important for our community to be informed on emerging public health threats like monkeypox; however, currently the risk to the general public is low,” said Haught, with Tulare County Public Health.

“It is vital that persons who have symptoms or suspect they have monkeypox contact their health care provider right away,” she said.

“There are many other causes of rashes, but it is always important to let your provider know you have a rash when scheduling an appointment.”

Reducing the spread of monkeypox

Public health officials say people can reduce the spread of monkeypox and protect themselves from infection by practicing good hand hygiene (wash your hands often) with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub; wearing a well-fitted face mask when around others; and talking with new sex partners before close or intimate contact.

Also, avoid close contact with people who are sick (and their bedding, clothing and the like) and stay home and seek attention if you are sick with any symptoms or have a new rash.

There are two monekypox vaccines, but currently the CDC is recommending vaccination for people who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.