Monkeypox case confirmed in Grant County

EPHRATA — A case of monkeypox has been discovered in Grant County, the first confirmed case in the county, according to a press release from the Grant County Health District.

The patient is in good health and quarantining at home, the release said. The GCHD is now looking to identify others who may have been exposed to the virus. So far, nobody who was exposed is considered a possible positive case, the release added.

MPV is rarely fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Symptoms may include fever; headache; muscle aches; respiratory symptoms; swollen lymph nodes; chills; exhaustion; and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth and on other body parts.

The virus is spread from person to person by the following:

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids

• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex

• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids

Also, those who are pregnant can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta, the release said.

More information regarding MPV, including what to do if you have symptoms, can be found at www.doh.wa.gov. Additional information is also available via the CDC at www.cdc.gov.