Monkeypox In King County: First 'Presumptive Case' Identified

SEATTLE — King County health officials are investigating the region's first likely case of monkeypox, a rare disease that has spread to at least a dozen countries in recent weeks. According to CNN, the United States had only confirmed a handful of cases before Monday's announcement.

In a news release, Public Health - Seattle & King County said a presumptive case was reported to authorities Sunday and that initial testing by the Washington State Public Health Laboratory confirmed the orthopoxviral infection Monday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will complete additional testing to confirm the diagnosis.

According to the county, the patient traveled internationally within the past month to a country with known monkeypox cases. Officials said the man did not require hospitalization and will remain in isolation as public health officials work to identify anyone he may have had contact with while he was infectious.

According to the CDC, monkeypox is a close relative to smallpox and was first identified in the late 1950s after two outbreaks in monkey colonies that were kept for research. The first human case was identified in 1970.

Related: What Washington Residents Should Know About Monkeypox

The county's health officer, Dr. Jeff Duchin, said there was no evidence of community spread and that no high-risk exposures have been identified. However, he encouraged the public to remain vigilant should concerning symptoms emerge.

"The public and healthcare providers should be aware of the growing international monkeypox outbreak," Duchin said Monday. "At this time, we have no evidence that monkeypox is spreading locally, but if there are unrecognized cases, that is a possibility."

Duchin said the disease typically spreads from person to person via direct contact with the rash or skin lesions. It can also occur via contact with body fluids, saliva, or contaminated items.

"People should understand that the disease can affect anyone and those who are most at risk are those who have had close physical contact with someone with monkeypox," he said. "Anyone who has symptoms of monkeypox, or has been in contact with someone with monkeypox, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider."

Infections can begin with flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes, followed by the development of a rash on the face and body, or in the groin area. Public health officials said residents should keep a close eye on any new rashes, sores, or bumps they develop. Symptoms typically last for two to four weeks but can be serious for some, including children and people who are immunocompromised or pregnant.

For health care providers, the county said they should consider a potential monkeypox diagnosis in patients who have an unexplained rash and recent travel to a country with suspected cases, or contact with a suspected case.

Here is more guidance from Public Health - Seattle & King County:

People who may have symptoms of monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider. This includes anyone who:

• Traveled to central or west African countries, parts of Europe where monkeypox cases have been reported, or other areas with confirmed cases of monkeypox during the month before their symptoms began.
• Had contact with a person with confirmed or suspected monkeypox.
• Is a man who regularly has close or intimate contact with other men, including through an online website or digital app, or at a bar or party.