Officials have confirmed a case of monkeypox in Maryland, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Maryland Department of Health.
An individual who returned to the United States from Nigeria was infected with a strain of the disease that has reemerged in the African nation over the past few years, the CDC wrote in a Wednesday release.
“Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body. Monkeypox re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017 after more than 40 years with no reported cases,” the release stated. “Since 2017, 218 cases have been confirmed in Nigeria and eight cases have been reported in international travelers from Nigeria, including a case in Texas in July 2021 and the current case.”
FLORIDA TEACHER DIES AFTER SHE’S DENIED IVERMECTIN
The patient is in isolation and being observed in a Maryland facility after flying into the U.S., according to the release.
RELEASE: The @MDHealthDept, in collaboration with the @CDCgov, today confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a Maryland resident who recently returned from Nigeria.
Learn more: https://t.co/GhXLA2vnd3
— Maryland Department of Health (@MDHealthDept) November 17, 2021
“CDC is working with international health counterparts, the airline, and state and local health officials in the Washington, DC area to contact airline passengers and others who may have been in contact with the patient,” the release read.
It’s unlikely the monkeypox virus spread to other passengers on the flight through respiratory droplets because they were required to wear face coverings due to COVID-19 protocols, according to the CDC.
However, “CDC asks healthcare providers in the U.S. to be vigilant to poxvirus-like lesions, particularly among travelers returning from Nigeria,” the release stated.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Due to the health risks involved, the CDC advises clinicians to report suspected cases immediately to medical authorities.
