Texas health officials announced Tuesday that they were investigating whether monkeypox played a role in the death of an immunocompromised adult. If confirmed, it would be the first death from the virus in the United States.
Deaths from monkeypox are relatively rare, and the vast majority of people diagnosed with the virus have recovered. There are 15 confirmed deaths due to monkeypox worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health officials in Harris County, Texas, announced Monday that the person presumptively positive for monkeypox had “several serious illnesses.” health officials were investigating how monkeypox might have contributed at the person’s death The patient was a severely immunocompromised adult, the Texas Department of State Health Services said.
“We share this information to err on the side of transparency and avoid potential misinformation about this case,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
The person died in hospital and autopsy results are expected in the coming weeks. His identity was not revealed. The Harris County Public Health Department is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she said.
Addressing myths about monkeypox:A look at symptoms, treatment and other common questions
exist 18,101 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the countryand 93% of cases occur among men who reported recent sexual contact with men, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early data has also shown that black and Hispanic people are disproportionately contracting the virus.
“Monkeypox is a serious disease, especially for people with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Department of State Health Services. “We continue to urge people to seek treatment if they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms consistent with the disease.”
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes or lesions, according to the CDC. public health officials are recommending vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who may be more likely to get the virus.
The White House is expected to hold a briefing on the federal health response to monkeypox this afternoon.
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