Chicago Man Has First Probable Illinois Case Of Monkeypox: IDPH

CHICAGO — A Chicago man who recently traveled to Europe is the first person in Illinois to have a probable case of the monkeypox, state health officials announced on Thursday.

The man, who has not been identified, was tested on Wednesday at an Illinois Department of Public Health lab for monkeypox. Although the test results have not been confirmed, officials said Thursday that initial findings suggest that the patient has been infected by the rare disease.

The case remains isolated and at this time, there is no indication there is a great risk of extensive local spread of the virus, as monkeypox does not spread as easily as the COVID-19 virus, officials said on Thursday.

Local and state health officials are working with the patient’s doctors to identify people that the man with whom likely came into contact. This contact tracing approach is appropriate, health officials said, given the nature and transmission of the virus.

The man did not require hospitalization and is isolated at home in good condition, health officials said. To protect patient confidentiality, no further details relating to the patient will be disclosed.

Monkeypox is a rare, but potentially serious viral illness and typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a rash on the face and body. Most infections last anywhere from two to four weeks. Monkeypox is typically endemic to parts of central and west Africa, and people can be exposed through bites or scratches from rodents and small mammals, preparing wild game, or having contact with an infected animal or possibly animal products.

The first U.S. case was reported on May 18 after a person returned to the country from traveling to Canada. As of Thursday, there are 19 known cases of monkeypox from 10 states, health officials said. The Illinois case reported on Thursday is the first in the Midwest, officials said.