First monkeypox case reported in Delaware
A New Castle County man has contracted the first reported case of monkeypox in the state.
The man, 41, tested positive and is awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, officials said.
The Delaware man did not report any travel or exposure to someone known to have monkeypox, but he is believed to have been exposed to the virus after close contact with an individual in early July, officials said. The man is self-isolating and Division of Public Health is working with him to identify any possible close contacts. Currently, DPH is working with the CDC to confirm the course of treatment.
“The Delaware Division of Public Health has prepared to respond to [monkeypox] cases,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “As we work to confirm our first case in the state, we encourage Delawareans to be aware of being in close intimate contact with individuals who have rashes or flu-like symptoms. We will continue to monitor this situation closely.”
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused through infection with the monkeypox virus. It can make you sick, causing a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often with an earlier flu-like illness. Transmission of monkeypox occurs when a person encounters the virus from an animal, human or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).
People who are at higher risk of being exposed to the virus include people who have had sex with someone diagnosed with monkeypox. The overall risk of monkeypox is low, generally caused by close, intimate contact, officials said, but people can also get the virus from respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex; and touching items such as clothing or linens that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids.
The incubation period of the illness is typically seven to 14 days, but it can as long as 21 days. The illness itself typically lasts two to four weeks and is rarely fatal. People who do not have symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.
Anyone who suspects they have monkeypox should contact a healthcare provider; self-isolate until all lesions have resolved, scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed; avoid being intimate with others; and make a list of your close and intimate contacts in the last 21 days.
To learn more about monkeypox management and prevention programs and resources, go to https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/epi/emerginginfectiousdiseases.html or call DPH’s Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology 24/7 emergency contact number at 888-295-5156.
