Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) reported the first case of monkeypox confirmed in a resident of Dallas County. It’s believed to be the first case of the virus.
The resident had traveled from Nigeria to Atlanta with a final destination of Dallas Love Field Airport on July 9, 2021, KWTX reported.
“While rare, this case is not a reason for alarm, and we do not expect any threat to the general public. Dallas County Health and Human Services is working closely with local providers, as well as our state and federal partners,” said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.
The patient is listed in stable condition and has been isolated to prevent the virus from spreading.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is working alongside the airline and other health officials to contact airline passengers and others who may come into contact with the patient during the flights.
Travelers on the flight were required to wear masks while on the aircraft and in the U.S. airport due to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
“Therefore, it’s believed the risk of spread of monkeypox via respiratory droplets to others on the planes and in the airports is low,” health officials said in a news release.
The CDC has called monkeypox a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus. The first human case was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
