An out-of-state man visiting Dallas likely spread monkeypox when he visited a gay bathhouse, health officials said.
The unidentified man visited Club Dallas, a private men’s sauna where according to the club’s website patrons can “socialize in one of our lounges or enjoy a video in your private dressing room” from June 22 through 25.
The man was infectious during that time and has a confirmed case of monkeypox, the Dallas Health Department said.
During his stay, the man had sex with multiple partners, the health department said.
Monkeypox is spread through contact with bodily fluids, monkeypox sores and shared clothing and bedding. It can also be spread through respiratory droplets in close settings.
Dallas health officials are warning anyone who visited Club Dallas that they may have been exposed to monkeypox and should be monitoring themselves for symptoms. Fever, swollen lymph nodes and body aches are common before a rash appears.
“Nationally, many monkeypox cases are occurring within sexual networks,” said Dallas County Health and Human Services. “(Those) at high risk for monkeypox exposure — including men who have sex with men, people who use social media applications to find sex partners, and those who have had skin to skin contact with people with sores or other symptoms of monkeypox — should be aware of their risk and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of monkeypox.”
Club Dallas did not respond to The Post’s request for comment about whether it had notified patrons they may have been exposed to the disease.
The only other four cases of monkeypox reported in Dallas County have been men who have sex with other men and who traveled recently, the health department said.