SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Summit County is reporting its first case of confirmed monkeypox in a county resident, Summit County Public Health announced on Thursday.
According to a release, the resident's case is related to out-of-state travel and there are no direct contacts in Summit County related to the case. The resident will complete their isolation period out of state.
Summit County says that monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including the following:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions.
Symptoms of monkeypox include a rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus and that could be on other areas such as the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash will go through several stages, including scabbing, before healing, and may initially look like pimples or blisters and be itchy.
Other symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
Some people experience the symptoms prior to the rash and some experience them after. Others only experience the rash.
A person who has contracted monkeypox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed. The illness typically lasts between two and four weeks.
Public health experts advise exercising the following precautions:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after using the bathroom.
- Testing is the best way to determine if an infection is monkeypox. Contact your health care provider if your have a new rash or have had close contact with someone who may have monkeypox.