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a second person has died in the u.s. after contracting monkeypox; officials
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the most common symptom of monkeypox is a rash on or near the genitals or anus, or other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth. getty
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a second person has died in the u.s. after contracting monkeypox, according to officials. investigations are still underway to determine if the death was indeed caused by the virus.
“we are currently investigating a death of a person with monkeypox in los angeles county,” dr. rita singhal, chief medical officer at the disease control bureau of the los angeles county department of public health said at a press conference thursday afternoon. “we are early in the investigation and so do not have additional details at this time.”
an autopsy was planned for friday. it may take several days to weeks for the results to be made available to the public.
this is one of two deaths currently under investigation in the united states for possible connection to monkeypox. on aug. 30, texas department of state health services announced they were investigating the death of a “severely immunocompromised” person who had contracted monkeypox.
“monkeypox is a serious disease, particularly for those with weakened immune systems,” dr. john hellerstedt, dshs commissioner, said. “we continue to urge people to seek treatment if they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms consistent with the disease.”
in canada, there are a total of 1,317 confirmed cases as of sept. 7. more than 99,000 doses of imvamune vaccine have been distributed across canada, with more than 50,000 people vaccinated as of august 11.
what is monkeypox?
monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, a virus that is part of the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. the symptoms are similar to smallpox but milder and rarely fatal. monkeypox has no relation to chickenpox.
as infection prevention and control canada explains, monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when outbreaks of a pox-like disease happened in colonies of monkeys kept for research in denmark.
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while cases in countries like canada are currently on the rise, the monkeypox virus has been endemic in some parts of africa since 1970 when the first human case was identified in the democratic republic of congo. african rodents and non-human primates like monkeys are suspected of harbouring the virus and infecting people.
despite its name, however, the source of the disease remains unknown.
what are the symptoms of monkeypox?
there’s always a concern when you develop a rash — your body is trying to alert you to something. the most common symptom of monkeypox is a rash on or near the genitals or anus, or other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth. the rash, which looks like pimples or blisters, can be painful and itchy, so you’ll know you have it.
other symptoms that often accompany the rash are fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and respiratory symptoms, including sore throat, nasal congestion or cough. you might also feel completely exhausted.
symptoms last from two to four weeks, and most people recover on their own after a few weeks.
how is monkeypox treated?
according to health canada, supportive wound and pain control is advised, however there are no treatments specifically for monkeypox virus infections. because monkeypox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, antiviral drugs and vaccines for smallpox can help prevent and treat monkeypox virus infections.
on that note, health canada has authorized the imvamune vaccine for immunization against monkeypox and orthopoxvirus infections in adults 18 years of age and older who are at high risk of exposure. the national advisory committee on immunization (naci) also recommends giving imvamune to people with high-risk exposures to a probable or confirmed case of monkeypox, or within a setting where transmission is happening.
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if you think you have monkeypox, the government of canada advises you to self-isolate immediately and contact your local public health authority or health-care provider.
how to prevent monkeypox
monkeypox is spread through skin-to-skin, face-to-face and mouth-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, reports the world health organization (who). you can also become infected by touching towels, bedding, clothing or objects used by someone who has the virus. the best strategy is to avoid close contact with anyone who has symptoms, wash your hands, surfaces and fabrics regularly, and wear a mask if it isn’t possible to avoid contact.
update 2022-09-09: this article was updated to reflect two cases under investigation in the united states and the current situation in canada. the original article was published on 2022-08-03.
karen hawthorne is a toronto-based writer.
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