Washington DC Public Health Lab has reported its first possible monkeypox case of the year after a local resident with recent travel to Europe tested positive for orthopoxvirus, which is in the family of viruses similar to monkeypox.
“The samples collected have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further testing and confirmation of the monkeypox virus,” the agency said.
DC Health said the patient is isolated and poses no threat to the public.
According to his release, the district has not identified any further cases till this Sunday.
The health agency issued a health advisory on May 26 with clinical recommendations and reporting requirements for health care providers on any suspected cases.
As of June 3, the CDC reports there are currently 25 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United States, with the first case reported in Massachusetts earlier this year.
The agency also reported 911 confirmed global cases in 29 countries, with the majority of cases in the United Kingdom (225), Spain (186), and Portugal (143) as of June 5.
Monkeypox is a rare virus that is endemic in Africa, but scientists are trying to better understand why so many cases are being reported outside the continent where the virus is not known to the harbor.
Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral disease that can be spread from person to person through direct contact with body fluids or monkeypox lesions. Less commonly, by prolonged face-to-face contact and Transmission can occur through respiratory droplets from contaminated materials such as bedding or,” DC Health said.
