Monkeypox was first identified in Arkansas, the state’s Ministry of Health announced Tuesday.
“While this news is a concern, monkeypox is not as contagious as other viruses like COVID-19,” Arkansas Health Department Director Jennifer Dilaha wrote in a news release.
ADH does not say where monkeypox was identified in the state.
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to monkeypox will need to contact their health care provider to be tested, Dilaha said.
Symptoms of monkeypox
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, and a painful rash. According to ADH, these occur 7 to 14 days after exposure.
The virus can be transmitted through direct skin contact with contaminated items such as rashes, scabs, body fluids, or clothing.
Monkeypox is not an airborne disease, but according to ADH, it can be transmitted during prolonged face-to-face contact.
There is a vaccine for monkeypox. Antiviral drugs and immunoglobulins help treat it.
Monkeypox was first identified in the United States in May. It was discovered last month in Oklahoma and Missouri.
