(Sarpy County, NE) -- The first case of the monkeypox virus is confirmed in the Sarpy/Cass Health Department jurisdiction.
The Health Department says the case was diagnosed in a man, 35-44 years old, who is a Sarpy County resident. The department says the man is isolating at home and a contact investigation is underway to inform people who may have been exposed.
The risk to the public continues to remain low, but anyone with a characteristic monkeypox rash that looks like pimples or blisters should contact their healthcare provider. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion. Monkeypox can spread to anyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Monkeypox is spread through close and personal skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s rash, scabs, body fluids, respiratory secretions, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. Some people have been infected by handling objects such as clothing or linens used by a person with monkeypox.
Antivirals that are used to treat smallpox may be used to help patients with a monkeypox infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 27,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported in the United States and 31 cases have been reported in the state of Nebraska.