FORT BEND COUNTY – The Fort Bend County Health & Human Services was investigating the area’s first “probable” cases of Monkeypox Thursday afternoon.
According to a news release, the patients who possibly have the virus were in contact with someone who may have been exposed to it.
FBCHHS Epidemiology Division received preliminary positive results on Wednesday, July 13 and then on July 14 from the Houston Health Department Laboratory. Samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Laboratory for confirmation. Fort Bend epidemiologists are conducting contact tracing to identify potential exposures based on proximity and behavior that would increase the risk of transmission of this disease, according to the release.
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services had two probable cases reported at the time of the release, however it has additional results pending. Preliminary case counts are based on probable lab reporting, with official laboratory confirmations coming from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, according the Fort Bend County Health & Human Services.
Those suspected cases are currently being monitored and are isolated in their homes at this time, the department said.
“The confirmation of Monkeypox in Fort Bend County is something we take seriously, and our Health and Human Services Department has been prepared to respond to an occurrence since the virus was first found in the U.S. earlier in the year,” said Fort Bend County Judge KP George. “As we did with the Covid-19 virus, we will continue to be updated from our Department of Health and Human Services as they closely monitor this public health emergency. We will continue to keep our Fort Bend County residents informed and encourage them to seek medical care if they suspect they have been exposed to the Monkeypox virus. Our concern, as always, is for the safety and well being of our communities.”
Last month, the Houston Health Department reported its first cases in the area linked to recent international travel.
Monkeypox can spread to all people, regardless of age, race, identity or sexual orientation. It spread through contact with infectious rash, scabs, bodily fluid, respiratory secretions or prolonged face-to-face or intimate physical contact. You can also get the virus by touch a surface or object that has the virus on it, like linens or clothing, according to officials.
“Moneypox does cause a rash, and it can spread from the times symptoms start until the time the rash is fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed,” Kaila Williams, MPH, MEP, CPH, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services Director of Communications, Equity & Engagement, said. “Anyone with a new rash should contact their health provider, especially if they think they’ve had with someone who has Monkeypox.”
Monkeypox typically begins as a flu-like illness with individuals having a fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes, according to the CDC. The illness lasts two to four weeks, and it can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash fully heals and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
The health department says anyone who develops these symptoms should isolate themselves from others to prevent or minimize the risk of spread of illness to others and seek medical attention to be evaluated for potential testing.
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services has set up a call line for questions: 832 471-1373. It will also post updates on their social media accounts via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
More information: https://www.fbchealth.org/