SD Confirms First Case Of Monkeypox

     South Dakota Health officials say the state has its first confirmed case of Monkeypox – a 30-year old man in the eastern part of the state.

     State Epidemiologist Dr Josh Clayton says after the man tested positive for monkeypox, the South Dakota public health lab sent samples to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which confirmed the positive finding.

    Dr Clayton says the number of Monkeypox cases has grown substantially over the past 2 months, both in the U-S and globally, with positive cases in over 41 states and 50 countries. 

       Clayton says Monkeypox is mostly commonly spread through direct physical contact with the infectious rash or bodily fluids or by prolonged face-to-face contact or intimate physical contacts such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.

     Common symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. 

      Some people in the current outbreak have only reported rashes, which typically are found on the hands, feet, face or genitals.

     The South Dakota Dept of Health is encouraging individuals to contact their healthcare provider early if they develop symptoms to aid in detecting and preventing ongoing transmission.