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The first infection with a family virus that includes monkeypox has been reported in the District of Columbia, city officials said.
The resident is isolating himself and “poses no risk to the public,” the DC Department of Health said.
The case of orthopox, the family of viruses that includes monkeypox, was reported on Saturday by someone who said he had recently traveled to Europe, according to the department.
Samples collected have been sent to federal centers for disease control and prevention for further testing and confirmation of the monkeypox virus, the health department said.
Virginia reports a case of monkeypox, the first state of the recent increase
Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral disease that can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with body fluids or injuries from monkeypox. It is difficult to transmit and easier to contain than highly transmissible viruses such as coronavirus.
Smallpox is rarely fatal and, due to its similarities to smallpox, can be treated with antivirals and stored vaccines in the event of a smallpox outbreak. Vaccines can be given shortly after exposure to prevent serious illness.
There are currently 25 confirmed cases of smallpox in monkeys in the United States, the city’s health department said.
It was not immediately clear the likelihood that any orthopox infection was monkeypox.