From Staff Reports

CLYDE - Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency reported North Carolina's first case of the monkeypox virus on June 24..

As of June 24, “no cases have been reported in Buncombe (County),” the Asheville Citizen Times reported, citing its source as county Health and Human Services spokesperson Stacey Wood.

The state Department of Health and Human Services stated in a June 23 press release that, “while anyone can get monkeypox, in the current outbreak, many of the cases are in men who have sex with men.”

Meanwhile, Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency stated the following in a June 24 news release:

“The Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency is reporting the first case of monkeypox virus infection in a Haywood County resident, confirmed by testing at the State Public Health Laboratory.

“This case is also the first recorded in the state of North Carolina.

“Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious, viral illness that typically involves flu-like symptoms, swelling of the lymph nodes, and a rash that includes bumps that are initially filled with fluid before scabbing over. Illness could be confused with a sexually transmitted infection like syphilis or herpes; or with varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox). Most infections last 2-to-4 weeks.

“HCHHSA is working closely with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and the patient’s health care providers to identify and notify individuals who may have been in contact with the patient while they were infectious. Monkeypox is typically spread by skin-to-skin contact. The person is currently isolating at home. No further information will be shared about this case to protect the patient’s privacy.

“Since May 2022, 156 cases monkeypox cases have been identified in the United States. There have been no deaths related to this outbreak. Epidemiologic investigation of these cases is ongoing. Information about US cases is available from the CDC.

“‘We are encouraging providers to pay close attention to the clinical presentation of symptoms consistent with monkeypox. If clinicians identify patients with symptoms such as fever, chills and the distinctive vesicular or pustular rash, monkeypox should be considered as a possible diagnosis,’ said Haywood County Health Director Sarah Henderson.”

After addressing further concerns and precautions, the release closed with the assertion, “People can take basic steps to prevent the spread of monkeypox. If you have an unexplained rash, sores, or other symptoms, see your healthcare provider – if you don’t have a provider or health insurance, visit a public health clinic near you. Keep the rash covered and avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked out. Monkeypox virus can be killed by common household cleaners and detergents.”