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Monkeypox Reaches Colorado

CDC CONFIRMS TWO CASES IN THE STATE

El Comercio de Colorado Newsroom

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The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) laboratory and the CDC have confirmed two cases of monkeypox in Colorado. One of these cases corresponds to a person who was in close contact with another person who had contracted monkeypox. These individuals are cooperating with state epidemiologists who are investigating the case and notifying people who may be exposed to this disease.

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of the now eradicated smallpox. These are fever, headache, muscle and back pain, chills and exhaustion. Although these symptoms are usually mild and these are often accompanied by swollen glands and a skin rash. This rash spreads from the face to other parts of the body. The arms, hands and feet are mainly affected. These rashes will turn from red to purple and pus may collect in them.

The CDC noted that “it is not clear how a person is exposed to monkeypox, but cases include people who self-identify as men who have sex with men.” The CDC is currently working with health authorities in Colorado, Florida, California, Utah, Washington, Virginia, and New York to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the 12 people who have tested positive for monkeypox in the United States. A vaccine against this virus is available.

In contact with medical centers

CDPHE authorities call on people with symptoms like those of this disease to contact medical centers. This recommendation is especially for those who have been, in the last month, in areas of the world where cases have been detected and if they have been close to someone sick with monkeypox. This virus is not a sexually transmitted infection but is spread through close contact. Brief interactions without physical contact are unlikely to result in transmission.