(Douglas County, NE) -- The Douglas County Health Department reports a second probable case of monkeypox, a known contact to the first local confirmed case.
DBHD says the patient is currently isolated at home and receiving outpatient care. A contact investigation is underway to identify and inform anyone who may have been exposed. The health department says the risk to the public continues to remain low, but anyone with a characteristic rash resembling monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider. If possible, call your provider before going to the facility and inform them of your symptoms and rash.
Monkeypox is spread through direct contact with an infected person’s rash, scabs, or body fluids, or through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact. Symptoms of monkeypox resemble those of smallpox but are milder. Monkeypox sometimes starts with a fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion. The rash typically looks like pimples or blisters. The incubation period for monkeypox generally is seven to 14 days but can range from five days to three weeks.
Nearly 5,000 cases of monkeypox have been recently reported worldwide. In the United States, 460 cases have been reported in 32 states and territories.