Monkeypox in PHD

The first case of monkeypox in the Panhandle Health District was announced Thursday.

“We are working closely with the state to take any action to swiftly break the chain of infection, but it is possible the individual acquired the infection while outside of the area,” said Jeff Weigel, epidemiologist with PHD. “It’s important to remember that the risk of monkeypox in the United States, and North Idaho remains low.”

State and local public health officials are working with the patient’s healthcare providers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that the patient is treated and that any potential contacts are identified and notified, a press release said.

As of Thursday, over 26,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported in the U.S., including 15 cases in Idaho.

Monkeypox usually causes a mild illness, and most people recover on their own, the release said. Some people will have flu-like symptoms — such as a fever, body aches, and chills — and may have swollen lymph nodes in the days before a rash appears.

Monkeypox is contagious but does not spread as easily as COVID-19 or the flu, the release said.

"Monkeypox spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids," the release said. "It can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged, face-to-face contact."

Antivirals are available for patients who might have severe disease or develop complications. Individuals with monkeypox should isolate until their lesions have healed. Someone with monkeypox is contagious from the time their symptoms begin until all lesions have healed and fresh skin has formed.