Tennessee has identified its first case of Monkeypox, a rare affliction that can be deadly.

“Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness. Although infection may begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion before the development of rash, many of the cases associated with the 2022 outbreak have reported very mild or no symptoms other than rash,” according to the Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH).

The state’s first case was reportedly identified in Nashville, and Davidson County Health officials are working with TDOH to investigate the case’s origin.

“In some cases, rash and lesions have been limited to the genitourinary area,” TDOH said. “The characteristic lesions are deep-seated, vesicular or pustular with a centrifugal distribution; the lesions are well circumscribed and often umbilicate or become confluent, progressing over time to scabs. The rash can be disseminated. The illness typically lasts for 2-4 weeks.”

The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infectious rash and scabs, or through the exchange of bodily fluids during intimate physical contact.

Monkeypox originated in Africa, and has been known to public health officials for some time.

There have been 700 confirmed cases of the disease in the United States this year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In late June, the White House worked with health officials to prepare a plan to combat Monkeypox.

That plan includes recommending Monkeypox vaccinations for a larger group of Americans.

“Collectively, the Administration’s efforts aim to expand vaccination for individuals at risk and make testing more convenient for healthcare providers and patients across the country,” said a June 28 release from the White House. “The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to working with urgency to detect more cases, protect those at risk, and respond rapidly to the outbreak.”

“With today’s national monkeypox vaccine strategy, the United States is significantly expanding deployment of vaccines, allocating 296,000 doses over the coming weeks, 56,000 of which will be allocated immediately. Over the coming months a combined 1.6 million additional doses will become available.”

_ _ _

Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Monkeypox” by Diverse Stock Photos. CC BY-NC 2.0.