Minnesota Department of Health Identifies State’s First Case of Monkeypox

Originally published 9:52 a.m., June 27th, 2022.

Updated 2:59 p.m., June 27th, 2022.

(KNSI) – Minnesota has its first confirmed case of monkeypox in a man who recently traveled to Europe.

The Minnesota Department of Health made the announcement during a press conference on Monday morning. Officials say the man went to the doctor on Thursday after experiencing symptoms. The case was confirmed on Friday. The health department says the man is at home recovering.

The MDH says the risk to the public remains low. Experts are doing contact tracing with local health partners to identify anyone at risk due to direct contact with the patient while infectious.

Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says to keep an eye out for the symptoms of monkeypox.

“Monkeypox usually starts with symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, swollen glands, and fatigue followed by a rash. However, not everyone with monkeypox has these symptoms, and some will have only a rash. The rash can look like pimples or blisters and might spread to multiple parts of the body or stay in one area.”

She says the virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact with a rash, scabs, or body fluids. Malcolm says the virus also spreads when an infected person’s body fluids are left on clothing or bedding. The virus can also spread after hours of face-to-face contact.

Malcolm says the vast majority of people who become sick will recover.

“People with monkeypox are typically sick for about three to four weeks and can spread the virus until their rash is completely healed. Meaning that the scabs have fallen off and new skin has appeared.”

She says while most people can recover without treatment, some cases of monkeypox can be severe and lead to scarring, pneumonia, sepsis, and cause blindness if the rash or legions develop on the eyes.

Malcolm says cases have appeared more frequently in populations of men who self-identify as gay or bisexual.

“But monkeypox does not just affect this population. We want to remind people that anyone can get monkeypox. Monkeypox does not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, where you come from or anything else.”

Experts say anyone experiencing any symptoms should make an appointment to see their doctor immediately.

The outbreak began in May and since then, more than 4,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported in 47 countries around the world. Minnesota says there are cases in 26 states affecting more than 200 people.

The need for vaccines or antivirals is being evaluated on a case-by-case basis in consultation with CDC officials. The CDC does not recommend broader use of the vaccine at this time; however, their evaluation of vaccine guidance is ongoing.

To help prevent the spread of monkeypox, practice good hand hygiene by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. More information about the virus and how to limit infection risk can be found on the Monkeypox page on the MDH website.

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