INDIANAPOLIS — The state has announced its first monkeypox-related death.
The Indiana Department of Health said monkeypox was a contributing factor in the Indiana resident’s death; the person had several other contributing health conditions. The state would not provide additional information regarding the person’s age or location due to privacy laws.
“Although cases of monkeypox in Indiana have dropped significantly with the availability of the vaccine, it is important to remember that this disease is still circulating and can lead to serious illness and death,” the health commissioner said. of the state, Dr. Kris Box. “Our hearts go out to this Hoosier’s family, and I encourage anyone at risk to protect themselves by getting vaccinated.”
The health department announced Indiana’s first probable case of monkeypox in June 2022. A total of 264 cases have been reported in the state, most in men between the ages of 18 and 39.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which is a member of the same family as smallpox. Symptoms usually appear within 21 days of exposure.
According to centers for disease control and prevention, the most common symptom of monkeypox is a rash that may look like pimples or blisters. These can appear in the mouth or other parts of the body; other symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and fatigue.
Persons infected with monkeypox should be isolated. The illness usually lasts between two and four weeks; it is contagious from the time symptoms appear until the rash has completely healed and a new layer of skin has formed.
According to the CDC, there are several ways to spread monkeypox, including:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rashes, sores, or scabs from someone with monkeypox. This is believed to be the most common way the virus spreads in the United States
- Contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels) and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, hugging, or having sex.
- During pregnancy, the virus can spread to the fetus through the placenta.
Comments are closed.