The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed the first probable case of monkeypox in the state, ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff said on Monday.
According to the health department, an adult male has a probable case of the disease, and is awaiting a PCR confirmation from the CDC.
“I want to emphasize strongly at the outset that monkeypox does not spread easily between people,” said Vanderhoff. “This disease is not like COVID-19, which, as we know, can be spread easily from person to person through the air over several feet in space. In contrast, monkeypox spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious sources such as scabs or body fluids.”
The person with the case remains isolated and is following protocols suggested by their healthcare providers and public health administrators to protect the resident's privacy, Vanderhoff said.
ODH says anyone experiencing an “unexplained” rash should contact a health provider immediately. Monkeypox is a viral illness, which starts with flu-like symptoms.
There are 49 confirmed cases in the United States across 15 states, most of which have occurred among men who have sex with men, Vanderhoff said. However, he added, “it’s important to note that anyone can get monkeypox."
There are nearly 1,500 cases confirmed worldwide with no deaths reported in 30 different countries.
RELATED: Officials find 2 monkeypox strains in US
Watch a portion of the news conference below.
-
Mass shooting downtown kills 2, injures 5 following 4th of July celebrations
Seven people were shot in a mass shooting event in downtown Indianapolis that claimed the lives of two people, including a juvenile, early Saturday morning, according to IMPD.Deadly crash on 1-70 near downtown
Indiana State Police is investigating a deadly crash on 1-70 involving a semi tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle on Friday.Caitlin Clark to miss 5th straight game for Fever with a strained left groin
Caitlin Clark will miss her fifth consecutive game with a strained left groin for the Indiana Fever when they host Los Angeles.Corn knee high by the Fourth of July might mean you are behind schedule
If you live in Indiana, you've heard the saying "knee high by the Fourth of July" relating to corn height. Does this saying actually guarantee a successful harvest in the fall?