This electron microscopic (EM) image depicted a monkeypox virion, obtained from a clinical sample associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. It was a thin section image from of a human skin sample. On the left were mature, oval-shaped virus particles, and on the right were the crescents, and spherical particles of immature virions.
(CDC)
BOWLING GREEN — Barren River District Health Department (BRDHD) officials announced Wednesday that the first probable case of monkeypox in the Barren River District has been identified. The risk to the public remains low, however.
Based on the initial positive test and preliminary case investigation, state health officials consider this a probable monkeypox infection. The patient remains isolated, and health officials are working to identify anyone the patient may have had close contact with while infectious.
As of July 26, 2022, the CDC reports that 3,591 monkeypox cases have been identified in 24 U.S. states. For more information about monkeypox in Kentucky, visit https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/idb/Pages/monkeypox.aspx.
Person-to-person transmission is possible either through skin-to-skin contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores or contaminated items, such as bedding or clothing, or through exposure to respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact. Monkeypox typically begins with flu-like illness, including fever and swelling of the lymph nodes about five to 21 days after exposure, followed by a rash or lesions one to three days later. The rash or lesions are often painful and typically begin on the face but may occur on any part of the body. The illness typically lasts for two to four weeks. People are considered infectious from the time that symptoms start until all scabs from the rash have fallen off and the skin has healed.
To prevent the spread of monkeypox in the district, BRDHD is asking individuals to be aware of the risks and how monkeypox spreads. It is also important to remember that monkeypox can spread through sexual networks. As always, it is important to be vigilant concerning personal sexual health and the sexual health of partners. People who have symptoms of monkeypox, particularly the characteristic rash or lesions, should take the following steps:
- Visit a medical provider for an evaluation
- Cover the area of the rash with clothing
- Wear a mask
- Avoid skin-to-skin, or close contact with others
Individuals with questions about monkeypox should speak to their primary care provider. The Kentucky Department of Public Health is urging healthcare providers across the commonwealth to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox:
- Monkeypox infection should be considered for patients presenting with skin lesions, especially for those with a history of recent travel to an area with confirmed monkeypox cases or who have close skin-to-skin contact (such as sexual contact) with new or affected partners.
No further information about the patient will be released due to privacy concerns. Confirmatory testing is pending at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
