Contact tracing is underway in both states. Initial testing occurred at state health department labs and confirmatory testing is pending at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention labs.
“The risk of monkeypox among the general public continues to be extremely low,” Indiana Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said. “Monkeypox is rare and does not easily spread through brief casual contact.”
The health department in Houston, Texas, confirmed its first case of monkeypox Saturday.
“The resident developed symptoms after returning from travel and is experiencing a mild illness,” the Houston Health Department said in a written statement. “The resident didn’t require hospitalization and is isolating at home.”
Monkeypox is a rare infection, a much less severe cousin of the now eradicated smallpox virus. It is endemic to parts of west and central Africa and is usually contracted from a rodent or small mammal. It does not easily spread from one person to another.
However, the monkeypox virus can spread through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or items such as clothing and bedding contaminated with the virus. It can also spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, typically in a close setting, according to the CDC.