(Polk County, IA) -- Polk County is confirming the county's first monkeypox case. Polk County Health officials says the patient was likely infected while traveling. The patient is isolating and receiving outpatient care. July 1st, the state announced the first case of monkeypox, in a patient from north central Iowa.
"The risk of monkeypox in the general population remains very low,” said Helen Eddy, Polk County Health Department Director. “However, it is important for community to be aware of this virus including transmission, prevention and when it’s appropriate to seek medical care.”
People with monkeypox sometimes develop a flu-like illness with fever, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes followed by a rash. In other instances, people just develop a rash with or without swollen lymph nodes, which can occur on the genitals and/or around the anus. People usually develop monkeypox 7 to 14 days (and up to 21 days) after being exposed.
For additional information about monkeypox click this link to the Polk County Health Department.