The state reports it’s first detected case of monkeypox in a Louisiana resident. The Louisiana Department of Health said there’s also a reported case from an out-state-resident who was a recent visitor. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said there are likely even more cases that have yet to be diagnosed.
“Let’s be clear for a second, this is not Ebola, this is not COVID. This is not expected to erupt into a worldwide pandemic that will grossly alter our way of life,” said Kanter.
State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol said while anyone can contract monkeypox, at the moment some individuals are at higher risk than others to catch the disease.
“It’s gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men, specifically those who have multiple sexual partners or anonymous sexual partners,” said Sokol
Kanter said the monkeypox virus is extremely rare and it’s a cousin of the smallpox virus. Symptoms include a rash that looks like pimples or blisters, fever, headache, body aches, and exhaustion.
“Where although that symptoms and the manifestations from monkeypox are much, much milder than smallpox. Monkeypox is rarely fatal,”
Kanter said if you are experiencing symptoms to see a physician so treatment can begin as soon as possible, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
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