First monkeypox case in Kansas found in Johnson County, health officials announce
Kansas’ first positive case of monkeypox was confirmed Saturday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.
A Johnson County adult who recently traveled out of state was tested at the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories, KDHE said.
The patient is working with the state health department to identify close contacts whom they may have exposed.
Missouri’s first probable monkeypox case was found last month in Kansas City.
“The risk of monkeypox spreading in Kansas remains low,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “If you are experiencing symptoms of monkeypox illness, it’s important to stay home and contact your health care provider as soon as possible to avoid spreading the disease to others.”
Monkeypox does not spread as easily as COVID-19. The virus is transmitted through close physical contact with body fluids and monkeypox sores, which appear as a rash. Swollen lymph nodes and other flu-like symptoms are also common. Infection is rare and potentially severe, often lasting between two and four weeks.
Anyone experiencing unexplained symptoms should reach out to their health care provider.
The monkeypox vaccine is available to those who have been exposed to a confirmed case, KDHE said.
About 791 monkeypox cases have been confirmed in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This story was originally published July 9, 2022 at 11:48 AM.
