Monkeypox virus infection confirmed in Maryland resident who traveled to Nigeria

WBAL TV 11 News

BALTIMORE — A single case of monkeypox virus infection was confirmed Tuesday in a Maryland resident who recently returned from Nigeria.

Maryland health officials said the has mild symptoms, is currently recovering in isolation and is not hospitalized.

No special precautions are recommended at this time for the general public, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

“Public health authorities have identified and continue to follow up with those who may have been in contact with the diagnosed individual,” Dr. Jinlene Chan, MDH deputy secretary for public health, said in a statement. “Our response in close coordination with (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) officials demonstrates the importance of maintaining a strong public health infrastructure.”

MDH said Monkeypox is in the same family of viruses as smallpox but generally causes a milder infection. It can be spread between people through direct contact with skin lesions or body fluids, or contaminated materials such as clothing or linens. It can also be spread through large respiratory droplets which generally cannot travel more than a few feet, and prolonged face-to-face contact is required.

MDH said illness typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes, progressing to a widespread rash on the face and body. Most infections last two to four weeks. The individuals identified as having been potentially exposed to this case will be monitored for symptoms of monkeypox for 21 days after exposure, MDH said.

Human monkeypox infections primarily occur in central and western African countries and have only rarely been documented outside of Africa. Although all strains can cause infection, those circulating in western Africa, where Nigeria is located, generally cause less severe disease.

Travelers returning from central or western Africa are advised to notify their health care provider if they develop symptoms of monkeypox, particularly flu-like illness, swollen lymph nodes or rash. Clinicians are urged to maintain a high index of suspicion for clinically compatible illness.

Additional details about human monkeypox cases are available on the CDC’s website.

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