The department did not release details about the person, such as age, gender or city or town of residence. “We encourage our community to remain vigilant about emerging public health threats such as monkeypox. However, the risk to the general public is currently low,” Brynn Carrigan, director of public health, said in the press release. “The case is in isolation recovering at home. We are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this case, identifying close contacts and notifying them of possible exposure.” The California Department of Public Health says there are 141 cases in the state, and as of Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 791 cases detected in 37 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rice. Monkey pox can be extremely painful, but no deaths have been reported in the United States, the county health department noted in a Saturday news release. Kern Public Health said monkeypox, which is rare, is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. It can be spread by infected people, animals and materials contaminated with the virus, especially through direct contact with infected sores, scabs or body fluids and through contact with contaminated objects. It can also be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, close, face-to-face or intimate contact. Symptoms may include: A rash that may look like pimples or blisters, fever, swollen lymph nodes, general body aches or fatigue. People may have some or all of the symptoms, but most people with the virus have the rash. It can be spread to others from the time symptoms begin until all wounds have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed, which can take several weeks. Anyone who thinks they have been exposed should see a health care provider, Kern Public Health said. The county health department listed these tips for reducing the spread of monkeypox:
Avoid close contact with people with symptoms such as sores or rashes. Practice good hand hygiene. Use personal protective equipment when caring for others with symptoms. Avoid contact with contaminated materials contaminated with the virus. Avoid contact with infected animals. Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms.
