First reported case of monkeypox in Davidson County
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Metro Public Health Department is reporting their first case of monkeypox in Davidson County.
According to MPHS officials, the individual recently traveled to a country that has reported monkeypox cases.
The person is currently isolating at home and was not hospitalized.
MPHD is working with the patient and their health care providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with them while infectious.
According to the CDC, monkeypox is a rare disease in the same family of viruses as smallpox.
The symptoms for monkeypox are similar to smallpox, but milder; and monkeypox is rarely fatal.
Early flu-like symptoms of monkeypox can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash or sores, sometimes located on or near the genitals or anus, but sometimes in other areas like the hands, feet, chest or face – sores will go through several stages before healing
- Sores may be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus
- Some people experience a rash or sores first, followed by other symptoms and some only experience a rash or sores
- Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until all sores have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed – this can take several weeks
Read more: WTVF