State reports monkeypox spread

The Texas Department of State Health Services announced Friday that they, along with local health departments, have identified a total of 12 monkeypox cases in Texas residents.

According to a DSHS press release, three of those 12 cases did not involve international travel, meaning they were exposed in Texas.

The Bulletin reached out to DSHS an asked for the locations of the cases, the first of which was reported in the Dallas area.

“So far, all cases have been in our North Texas, Southeast Texas and Central Texas regions,” Chris Van Deusen, DSHS’ Director of Media Relations told the Bulletin in an email Thursday.

Those regions are 2/3, 6/5S and 7. A map of all Texas regions is attached to this story. Region 8, which includes Bandera County, neighbors two of the three cited regions.

“With the sharp increase in monkeypox cases worldwide, it’s not surprising to see the virus spread in Texas,” said Dr. Jennifer Shuford, chief state epidemiologist. “We want people to know what the symptoms are, and if they have symptoms, to avoid the types of close contact with other people that can spread the disease.”

Monkeypox is a viral illness that starts with symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. Soon after, a rash that can look like pimples or blisters appears. The rash often appears first on the face and inside the mouth and then spreads to other parts of the body. People who develop a rash should avoid direct contact with other people and contact their health care provider as soon as possible for next steps.

Notifying the health department about suspected cases will help in testing and allow public health to determine whether anyone who had close contact with the patient should get the monkeypox vaccine.

If given within four days of exposure, the vaccine can prevent people from getting sick with the disease. Health departments can work through DSHS to request doses of the vaccine from the Strategic National Stockpile.