US confirms first monkeypox death

The United States confirmed this Tuesday (30), the first death of monkeypox in the country. The victim was an immunocompromised adult patient from Harris County, Texas.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed in a statement that the case is under investigation to determine monkeypox’s role in the death.

“Smallpox is a serious disease, particularly for those with weakened immune systems,” said John Hellerstedt, DSHS Commissioner.

The country has 18,101 cases, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Texas, there are 1,604 infections.

“We continue to urge people to seek treatment if they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms consistent with the disease.”

The CDC still does not count the death.

Vaccination in the USA

In the country, the immunizer JYNNEOS is approved for the prevention of smallpox and monkeypox. It is the main vaccine used during the outbreak of the disease in the US.

The ACAM2000 vaccine is an alternative to JYNNEOS. It is also approved to help protect against disease.

The country has declared a public emergency for monkeypox.

About monkey pox

Monkeypox is a disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Smallpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder.

The Texas Department of Health advises people with symptoms to contact their doctor if they have a fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes.

In addition, infected people often have a rash that can be located on the genitals (penis, testicles, lips, and vagina) or anus and can be on other areas such as the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.

“People diagnosed with monkeypox should stay home and avoid close contact with others until the rash has fully resolved, the scabs have fallen off and a new layer of intact skin has formed,” they said.

Source: CNN Brasil

You may also like