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First case of monkeypox found in Wake County

The first case of monkeypox has been identified in Wake County.

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The first case of monkeypox has been identified in Wake County.

The other two cases have been identified in Haywood and Mecklenburg counties.

The patient in Wake County is isolating at home, the health department said, and staff is working with the patient to contact anyone who was possibly exposed. Additional details about the case was not released.

"Monkeypox cases continue to rise across the country so it is not a surprise that it has now been detected in Wake County," said Dr. Nicole Mushonga, the associate physician director and epidemiology program director for WCPHD.

Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease specialist with UNC Health, said there are way more cases of the virus in the state.

"There’s more than three people in North Carolina with monkeypox," said Wohl. "I don’t know how many there are there but it's definitely more than three." 

As of Monday, there have been 560 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Worldwide since May 2022, more than 3,000 cases of the virus have been identified.

Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically involves flu-like symptoms, swelling of the lymph nodes and a rash that includes bumps that are initially filled with fluid before scabbing over. The infection typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

The virus does not spread easily, and can only spread between people who've had close contact, according to the CDC.

"We encourage all residents to know the symptoms and be aware of the risk factors for monkeypox," said Mushonga.

The most common means of spread, according to the CDC, is when people come into contact with the rash, scabs or bodily fluids of someone who has monkeypox. Monkeypox can spread through the air, but only to those very close by, with face-to-face contact like kissing or snuggling.

On Wednesday, North Carolina-based Labcorp launched a test to detect the virus. In the announcement, Labcorp said it was the first national lab to do so.

There is no treatment specific to monkeypox, but because it is a virus, antiviral medications are often given to treat infections and to prevent them in people who may be exposed to the virus.

WCPHD said it is working with the state Department of Health and Human Services to receive the two available monkeypox vaccines in the coming day. Anyone who was possibly exposed to the virus or feel they are eligible to receive the vaccine can call 919-250-4462 for screening and scheduling.

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