Tuesday, Texas health officials confirmed the first death of a person diagnosed with monkeypox in the state. The person was identified as a Harris County resident who was severely immunocompromised, according to The Texas Department of State Health Services. The case is currently being further investigated to determine what role the virus played in the person’s death.
Local officials confirmed the patient died Sunday in a hospital with “various severe illnesses.” The autopsy results are expected “in the next few weeks.”
“Monkeypox is a serious disease, particularly for those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS Commissioner. “We continue to urge people to seek treatment if they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms consistent with the disease.
According to the CDC, more than 18,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported across the 50 states since the outbreak began in April. There have been 15 deaths reported globally, excluding the U.S.
Health officials are advising people to contact their health care provider if they have fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a new, unexplained rash.
For most individuals, the virus is painful but not life-threatening.
