Monkeypox In Maryland Resident Confirmed: Officials

MARYLAND — A Maryland resident who recently returned from Nigeria has been diagnosed with monkeypox, officials said Tuesday.

People who are infected with monkeypox typically get flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes, and they develop a rash on the face and body. The illness rarely occurs in humans outside Africa, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

The illness generally lasts for two to four weeks, officials said.

After the state health department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the case Tuesday in Maryland, they said no special health precautions were needed for the public.

“Public health authorities have identified and continue to follow up with those who may have been in contact with the diagnosed individual,” Maryland Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Jinlene Chan said in a statement Tuesday.

The person infected with monkeypox has mild symptoms and is in isolation but is not hospitalized, authorities reported.

Those who may have been exposed will be monitored for 21 days.

"Monkeypox is in the same family of viruses as smallpox but generally causes a milder infection," state health officials reported. "It can be spread between people through direct contact with skin lesions or body fluids, or contaminated materials such as clothing or linens. It can also be spread through large respiratory droplets which generally cannot travel more than a few feet, and prolonged face-to-face contact is required."

Those who are returning from western Africa should notify their health care providers if they develop symptoms of monkeypox, particularly flu-like illness, swollen lymph nodes or rash.