LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky's first case of monkeypox has likely been identified in Jefferson County, health officials announced on Friday.
What You Need To Know
- The first case of monkeypox has been found in Kentucky
- A Louisville resident recently tested positive
- As of June 23, the CDC reported 173 monkeypox cases have been identified in 24 U.S. states
Health officials said the confirmation test is pending at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but based on the initial positive test and preliminary case investigation, it's being considered a probable monkeypox infection. No information will be released about the patient.
As of June 23, the CDC reported 173 monkeypox cases have been identified in 24 U.S. states, including two in neighboring Indiana.
“Identifying the first case of monkeypox in Kentucky is concerning but not surprising," Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said, adding that risk to the public remains low. "We continue to work closely with CDC and our local health department and healthcare partners to contain the spread of this virus.”
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 Kentucky, KDPH is asking individuals to be aware of the risks and how monkeypox spreads. You can learn more about the monkeypox outbreak at the CDC's website.