A single confirmed case of monkeypox in Hernando County is under investigation by the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County (DOH-Hernando). The individual case is isolated, and at this time DOH-Hernando has not identified any additional cases, the agency said in a written statement.
Once rare in the U.S., monkeypox is a viral disease that has historically occurred mostly in Central and Western Africa. It is generally spread through close, intimate contact with someone who has the virus.
Transmission generally requires prolonged, face-to-face contact, direct contact with an active rash, or indirect contact with an active rash through contaminated items, such as contaminated clothing.
While there are no treatments specifically for monkeypox, treatments approved for smallpox may be used due to the similarities of monkeypox and smallpox. Vaccination is recommended within 14 days of exposure to a person infected with monkeypox, but the vaccine is most effective if given within four days.
The threat of monkeypox to the general population remains low, the agency said.
In its probe, DOH-Hernando is conducting epidemiological investigations to notify possible exposures and offer potential post-exposure prophylaxis. The Bureau of Public Health Laboratories and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are also investigating the confirmed case of the disease in Hernando County.
Visit https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/monkeypox/index.html to learn more about monkeypox, its symptoms, how it is spread and how it may be treated.
