Brazoria County reports its first monkeypox case, health officials say

HOUSTON – Brazoria County has reported its first confirmed case of monkeypox, according to the local health department.

The infected patient has isolated themselves and recovering at their home in northern Brazoria County, officials said.

Monkeypox is still being classified as a rare condition, despite the recent uptick in outbreaks. Health care professionals say it doesn’t spread easily between people without close, personal, skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms include a rash or sores that look like pimples or blisters, fever, headache, weakness, chills and swollen lymph nodes.

In Texas, most monkeypox cases have been transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with the monkeypox rash of an infected person. The illness is largely circulating among men who have sex with men, though there have been cases outside this population.

If a person feels they have been exposed or have monkeypox symptoms, they should contact their medical provider. For additional information, individuals can contact one of the Brazoria County Health Clinics:

• Alvin Clinic – 281-585-3024
• Angleton Clinic – 979-864-1484
• Lake Jackson Clinic – 979-265-4446
• Pearland Clinic – 281-485-5344