22 cases of monkeypox reported in Utah
Jul 27, 2022, 10:36 AM | Updated: 11:01 am
FILE: This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions, left, and spherical immature virions, right, obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. Monkeypox, a disease that rarely appears outside Africa, has been identified by European and American health authorities in recent days. (Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC)
(Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC)
SALT LAKE CITY — Twenty two confirmed and probable cases of monkeypox have been reported in Utah over the last two months, according to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
Those cases — which have emerged since May 2022 — are spread across four counties:
- Davis County: 1
- Salt Lake County: 18
- Utah County: 2
- Weber/Morgan: 1
In the United States, a total of 3,591 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed, with the highest number being reported in New York.
According to Utah DHHS’ website, the most common symptom of monkeypox is a new rash.
“People can also get a fever, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a headache.”
It spreads, most commonly, from skin-to-skin contact.
“Monkeypox is not spread through casual encounters that don’t involve physical touch, such as walking past someone who has monkeypox or having a casual conversation with someone who has monkeypox,” the website stated.
State health officials say condoms will not prevent the spread of the disease.
Currently, the vaccine is not available to the general public in the Beehive State, but it is being given to those people at highest risk of exposure, including:
- Individuals who have had close, intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox
- Men who have sex with men who have had multiple partners in recent weeks, particularly in group settings
Anyone who has had close contact with someone who has monkeypox has been encouraged to contact their local health department.
More information on the disease can be found on the CDC website.
