A confirmed probable case of monkeypox has been discovered in an Oahu resident. The probable case adds to the list of five confirmed cases, according to the Hawaii Department of Health.
“Vaccination and treatments are available, and we encourage anyone with monkeypox symptoms to contact their health care provider,” Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char said in the release.
Little information was released about the infected resident, and the Department of Health maintains the risk to most Hawaii residents remains low. DOH said in the release that it continues to conduct “contact tracing and coordinate vaccination and treatment, which can be effective in controlling monkeypox infection.”
Monkeypox, according to the release, is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Infection begins within 21 days of exposure with flu-like symptoms and progresses to a rash or sores. According to the DOH, Monkeypox can spread through “direct contact with body fluids, lesion material, or items used by someone with monkeypox as well as close, prolonged contact with an infected person or animal.” In addition, Monkeypox can spread through large respiratory droplets that generally cannot travel more than a few feet.