Shawnee County investigates probable monkeypox case. Officials say risk to public remains low.

Andrew Bahl and Jason Tidd, Topeka Capital-Journal
·2 min read

Shawnee County health officials confirmed Monday they were investigating a probable case of monkeypox, the first such case reported in the county.

The county health department said it is working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to investigate the case, with officials waiting on confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In a news release, the county said the individual was exposed after contact with a confirmed positive case that had traveled to Shawnee County from out of state. The person is isolating at home, with officials investigating and monitoring all close contacts.

Shawnee County health officials confirmed Monday they were investigating a probable case of monkeypox, the first such case reported in the county.
Shawnee County health officials confirmed Monday they were investigating a probable case of monkeypox, the first such case reported in the county.

KDHE announced in early July that they had identified the first presumptive monkeypox case in Johnson County.

In a statement, Shawnee County Health Department Director Teresa Fisher said the risk of monkeypox transmission in the county "continues to be low."

"The Shawnee County Health Department will continue to work in close collaboration with KDHE and our local healthcare partners," Fisher said. "Should you be experiencing any symptoms consistent with monkeypox you should contact your medical provider immediately.”

The monkeypox vaccine is available to individuals in Shawnee County who has been exposed. Eligible residents will be contacted by state or local officials if they can get the shots.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus, the KDHE reported. It spreads among people primarily through direct contact with infectious lesions, scabs, body fluids or by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact.

Typical disease symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. A rash that looks similar to pimples or blisters can appear on the face, in the mouth and elsewhere on the body.

Not all cases show symptoms before a rash appears. The spots start small and look similar to chickenpox, but grow into larger blisters over time.

KDHE has a phone line available for questions about monkeypox. Individuals can call 1-866-KDHEINF (534-3463) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday or can email their questions to monkeypox@ks.gov.

Andrew Bahl is a senior statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached at abahl@gannett.com or by phone at 443-979-6100.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Officials confirm first probable monkeypox case in Shawnee County