SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – San Francisco health officials announced the first probable case of monkeypox has been identified in a resident through testing at a California Department of Public Health laboratory.
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The San Francisco Department of Public Health said in a release that the person had traveled to a location with an outbreak in cases and is currently in isolation and in good condition. The individual said they have not been in close contact with anyone while in San Francisco during the time when they could have spread the infection to others.
The person was tested on Friday and the Department of Public Health is waiting for the results from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"San Francisco is prepared for this case and others, should more occur. We want to emphasize that this is not a disease that spreads easily through the air like COVID-19, however we do want people who might have been exposed to watch out for symptoms and to see a medical provider immediately if they develop symptoms for an evaluation," Dr. Susan Philip Health Officer said in a release.
Health officials believe the risk to the population from this virus is low. Monkeypox can spread through intimate sexual contact, kissing, breathing close to someone or sharing bedding and clothing. It often starts with flu-like symptoms and a rash or sores anywhere on the body, including the genital area, health officials said.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health will continue to work with the CDC and the California Department of Public Health for updates and guidance on the situation.
Anyone who thinks they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms should call their health care provider to be evaluated.
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