Here's What You Need To Know About The Monkeypox Virus In Dallas

DALLAS, TX —City officials and medical professionals are aware of a Dallas resident who recently returned from Africa and has been confirmed to be infected with the Monkeypox virus. This particular virus causes fever, rash and other flu-like symptoms, but the virus is not easily transmitted from one person to another.

At the moment, there is only one known patient in Dallas and that person is being treated at a local hospital. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dallas County Health and Human Services and the Texas Department of State Health Services are all cooperatively guiding the investigation and tracing possible contacts of the patient.

Public health officials currently estimate the number of possible contacts to be very few.

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Due to the patient’s recent travel history, Dallas Love Field officials are also working with public health officials. Dallas Fire-Rescue paramedics are well-equipped to evaluate and care for additional symptomatic patients should any appear in the coming days.

According to City Manager T.C. Broadnax, “This case is in the capable hands of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dallas County Health and Human Services and the Texas Department of State Health Services. I trust their leadership throughout this process.

He added, "Should the need arise, the city is willing and ready to assist our healthcare partners to mitigate the spread of this virus. The city will take the county’s guidance and share any important information, as needed, to keep our residents safe.”

Health authorities believe the risk to the public at this time is very low but encourages everyone to follow basic infection prevention measures, including thorough and frequent hand washing and staying home when sick.

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