The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has confirmed a positive monkeypox case in Pueblo County. CDPHE started and is completing the case investigation and contact tracing associated with this case.
Human monkeypox virus (hMPXV) is an Orthopoxvirus genus that also includes smallpox and cowpox viruses. The virus has been spreading in the U.S. and globally. To date, there have been 5,189 cases identified in the U.S., in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Worldwide, there have been over 22,400 cases during the current outbreak. There have been no reported deaths due to the virus.
“The presence of this virus in Pueblo County is unwelcome news, but not a surprise, and I am hopeful this person recovers quickly,” said Randy Evetts, public health director at the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. “We have been closely following the global spread of hMPXV and continue to maintain close communication with experts from CDPHE.”
“We urge anyone with symptoms to isolate and contact their healthcare provider. We will continue to work with CDPHE as they complete their investigation and contact tracing,” explained Mr. Evetts.
Mr. Evetts added “Monkeypox has recently spread internationally. It is endemic in Central and West Africa. Presently, this is the first significant outbreak in the United States and s has generated national public interest. The fact that we have a confirmed case in Pueblo County is not alarming; in general, monkeypox poses a low risk for the population. However, as the public health department it is our duty to provide information to the public about any health concerns. We want to make sure our community knows where to find information and who to contact if there is the need. PDPHE is your best source of information, we have a link on our website pueblohealth.org/monkeypox.
Source: Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment.
