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First probable case of monkeypox in San Francisco reported

San Jose Mercury News - 6/4/2022

SAN FRANCISCO – The first probable case of monkeypox in San Francisco has been detected, the city’s Department of Public Health announced Friday.

The case was identified through testing at a California Department of Public Health laboratory, the SFDPH said in a news release. The agency said it is awaiting confirmation of those test results from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The announcement comes amid a recent uptick in cases globally and in the United States.

The resident, who traveled to a location with an outbreak in monkeypox cases, is in isolation and in good condition, according to the agency. And the resident reported no close contacts in the city during the time they could have spread the infection to others.

The SFDPH said the risk to the general population from the virus is believed to be low as the known cause of spread is prolonged contact and bodily fluids. Having close physical contact, including sex, with multiple people can put a person at higher risk.

Monkeypox appears as a distinctive rash or sores on the skin anywhere on the body, including the genital area, and often begins as flu-like symptoms, according to the agency.

The illness typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks and most recover, according to the CDC.

“San Francisco is prepared for this case and others should more occur,” said San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip in a statement.

“We want to emphasize that this is not a disease that spreads easily through the air like COVID-19, however we do want people who might have been exposed to watch out for symptoms and to see a medical provider immediately if they develop symptoms for an evaluation,” Philip continued. “While most cases resolve on their own, monkeypox can be serious in rare cases, and we want to prevent further spread in the community.”

The SFDPH urged anyone who may have been exposed to monkeypox, or who may have symptoms, to immediately contact their health care provider for an evaluation and guidance.

Check back for updates.

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