Las Vegas, NV (KXNT0 - The Southern Nevada Health Distroict on Friday said that Clark County now has 5 probable or confirmed cases of the monkeypox virus.
The Southern Nevada Health District received a report of a probable fifth case in a man in his 40s who has a history of travel and has been isolated at home. The health district says there's no connection with the 5 cases.
SNHD has ordered a shipment of monkeypox vaccines for high-risk people, which includes laboratory personnel, confirmed or probable cases, and close contacts. According to the CDC, this vaccine is effective in preventing monkeypox up to four days after exposure and reducing the severity of symptoms up to 14 days after exposure.
Monkeypox is a rare disease that causes symptoms beginning with fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes followed by development of a rash that can look like pimples or blisters.
The incubation period is usually between seven to 14 days but can range from five to 21 days. The characteristic rash often begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body including genitalia.
The illness typically lasts two to four weeks. Most people who contract monkeypox will have mild illness. People who are immunocompromised, young children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with certain skin conditions may be more at risk for severe illness.
People who test positive for monkeypox should follow the treatment and prevention recommendations of their health care provider and the Health District.