Second case of monkeypox virus reported in county

Published on July 14, 2022

Tarrant County Public Health reported the second case of monkeypox in the county this week.

The county’s Epidemiology Division has confirmed that the two cases in the county belong to adult males. The second case is a result of exposure in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with no history of travel during the exposure time, indicating localized transmission in the DFW area. Based on the investigation of the second case, there was no further exposure.

Tarrant County Public Health has received notification of a third potential case and is awaiting further information to confirm if it is a Tarrant County resident.

The public is considered to be at low risk. Tarrant County Public Health will continue to work with local, federal and state partners to monitor the situation.

Monkeypox can spread through contact with bodily fluids, lesions or shared items, such as bedding, that have been contaminated with fluids by a person with monkeypox. Monkeypox can also spread through respiratory droplets to people in close proximity after prolonged exposure (over three hours).

Symptoms of monkeypox can include rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes and body aches. People at high risk for monkeypox exposure should be aware of their risk and seek appropriate medical attention if they develop symptoms.

Monkeypox cases are increasing nationwide within sexual networks. Monkeypox does not only affect people with a specific sexual orientation; however, recent cases across the nation have been traced to men who have sex with men.

Learn more online or call the Tarrant County Public Health information line, 817-248-6299, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photo: The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to, but milder than, the symptoms of smallpox. (Courtesy of Tarrant County Public Health)

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