Harris County resident who was presumptive positive for monkeypox dies; cause of death not released, officials say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – An adult with multiple serious illnesses, who also tested presumptively positive for monkeypox, died Sunday, according to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the Harris County Department of Public Health.

Health officials said the patient’s cause of death is unknown at this time. HCPH is working with partners to determine what role, if any, monkeypox may have played in this person’s death. An autopsy is underway and the final report will be available in the coming weeks.

“We are sharing this information to err on the side of transparency and to avoid possible misinformation about this case,” Hidalgo said. “The best way we have to combat this virus is through vaccines. Our goal remains to get as many people who qualify as possible vaccinated as quickly as possible. I have always thought that vaccines are the key to reducing the spread.”

The department has been collaborating with Harris Health System, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on this case.

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“We continue our work to control the monkeypox outbreak in our community and build healthier, stronger buildings,” said Harris County HCPH Director Barbie Robinson.

No further information about the person will be shared at this time to respect the privacy of the family.

If you or a loved one is suspected of being exposed to monkeypox, contact your health care provider.

For questions about monkeypox testing, vaccinations, and other guidance, call the Monkeypox Hotline at (832) 927-0707 or visit the HCPH Monkeypox Guidance web page at www.hcphtx.org/monkeypox.

About monkeypox

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that includes a painful rash, which can resemble pimples or blisters, often with a previous flu-like illness. Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that are transmitted between species, from animals to humans (or from humans to animals and from humans to humans).

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Monkeypox can be spread to anyone through close personal contact, often skin-to-skin, including:

● Direct and/or sexual contact with the monkeypox rash, sores, or scabs of a person with monkeypox.

● Contact with objects, fabrics (clothes, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by a person with monkeypox.

● Contact with respiratory secretions, through kissing or prolonged face-to-face contact.

Monkeypox symptoms usually begin within two weeks of exposure to the virus, and within one to three days (sometimes longer) after the onset of fever, people will develop rashes or sores.

Other early symptoms associated with monkeypox include:

● fever

● headache

● Muscle aches and back pain

● Swollen lymph nodes

● Chills or exhaustion