First Case of Monkeypox reported in Eastern Jackson County

     The Jackson County Health Department announced the first probable case of monkeypox in an Eastern Jackson County resident in a press release on August 17th. 
     “Initial testing for orthopoxvirus, the genus of viruses that includes monkeypox and smallpox, was completed at the Missouri State Public Health Lab,” Bridgette Shaffer, Jackson County Health Department Director, said.
     “Based on the individual’s symptoms and positive orthopoxvirus result from the state laboratory, we’re considering this a probable monkeypox case and are taking action to identify and vaccinate contacts.”
     Additional confirmatory testing at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is pending, and results are expected in the coming days. The Jackson County Health Department communicable disease team has provided isolation guidance to the patient. The team has contacted all persons who may have been in contact with the patient while they were infectious, and those contacts have been offered post-exposure vaccination (JYNNEOS) to help stop the spread of disease.
     “The threat to Eastern Jackson County residents is low at this time,” Shaffer said.
     Monkeypox is most commonly transmitted through direct physical contact with infectious rash, scabs or body fluids. It can also be spread through respiratory droplets from prolonged face-to-face contact and contact with contaminated items (clothing, linens, etc.). Anyone can become infected if they come into direct physical contact with an infectious person.
     “Monkeypox is less contagious than COVID-19 but can affect anyone,” Shaffer said. “It does not just affect one community or group.”
     Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion) and/or an unexplained rash on their face, palms, arms, legs, genitals, or perianal region should call their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Most people recover within 2-4 weeks, but the disease can be serious, especially for immunocompromised people, pregnant people and children.
     Those who suspect they have been exposed to monkeypox should call the health department at (816) 404-9898, as they may be eligible for post-exposure vaccination.
     For more information about monkeypox symptoms, how it spreads, prevention, treatment and more, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website or the Jackson County Health Department’s website.