Two more cases of the monkeypox virus have been reported in Dallas County, according to health officials.
“Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is investigating a second and a third monkeypox case in Dallas County residents with international travel to Spain and Mexico,” according to the press release.
Neither patient has been hospitalized, and both are isolated and recovering at home. They do not currently present a known risk to other people.
The patients tested positive for the virus on Tuesday and Wednesday. Both will be included in the official case count tallied by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
“We continue to work closely with the CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services and have conducted interviews with the patient and are continuing to contact persons who have been in close contact,” said DCHHS Director Dr. Philip Huang.
“We have determined that there is little known risk to the general public at this time,” he continued. “However, monkeypox cases have been spreading globally, and we are actively working with local healthcare providers to ensure they are prepared to recognize monkeypox and report suspected cases to public health officials.”
Individuals who were in direct contact with the infected travelers have been identified by public health officials who are monitoring them for symptoms of infection.
Additionally, the CDC is collaborating with the airline (which was not named) and state and local health officials to get in touch with airline passengers and anyone else who may have come into contact with the patient on flights (including layovers) from Mexico and Spain to Dallas.
DCHHS does not disclose the patients’ personal information due to privacy concerns.
The monkeypox virus is transmitted mainly by direct contact with an infected person’s sores, scabs, and bodily fluids or through respiratory secretions during extended face-to-face contact. Monkeypox can spread via close physical contact, including sex, kissing, and cuddling.
