The Texas Department of Health State Services has confirmed the first death in a person diagnosed with monkeypox in the state of Texas and the nation.
The first monkeypox death involves an adult resident of Harris County who was "severely immunocompromised." The department reports it is currently investigating the case and the extent to which monkeypox played a role in the death of this patient.
“Monkeypox is a serious disease, particularly for those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS Commissioner. “We continue to urge people to seek treatment if they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms consistent with the disease.”
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a new, unexplained rash.
The state's health department continues to inform the disease is preventable and recommends the following precautions:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with someone with a new, unexplained rash.
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact in large crowds where people are wearing minimal clothing, such as nightclubs, festivals, raves, saunas, and bathhouses.
- Do not share cups, utensils, bedding or towels with someone who is sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.