As global illnesses continue to rise, Florida health officials are investigating a “presumed” monkeypox case, making it the third possible case in the United States.
According to the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, the case is being investigated and appears to be tied to overseas travel.
On Wednesday, the CDC confirmed a Massachusetts man positive test, who had recently gone to Canada—making it the first case of the uncommon virus found in the United States this year.
The New York City Department of Health reported on Thursday that it was looking into a probable case of monkeypox after a patient tested positive for orthopoxvirus, the virus that causes monkeypox.
The patient’s tests results were transmitted to the CDC for confirmation.
More than 190 confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in 16 countries where the disease is not commonly seen.
The rare disease is usually found in Western and Central Africa, but since a patient in the United Kingdom tested positive on May 7 after traveling to Nigeria, additional cases have been discovered all over the world.
On Friday, the CDC issued a health alert advising clinicians and local health departments to be on the lookout for patients with monkeypox symptoms and to report them to the CDC.
According to public health officials, the risk to the general public remains low.
Large breathing droplets in the air, skin sores, bodily fluids, or contact with contaminated items can all transfer the disease from person to person.
The World Health Organization recommends isolating if you have symptoms, avoiding contact with anyone who may have symptoms, using a mask if you come into contact with an infected person, and carefully washing hands and surfaces to prevent the infection from spreading.
