Dallas County Reports the First Monkeypox Viral Infections Transmitted Locally
Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS), in collaboration with the Texas Department of State Health Services and the CDC, has identified one confirmed monkeypox case in an out-of state visitor who was in town for the Daddyland Festival over the July 4th weekend. The visitor went to a Dallas hospital with a rash and was diagnosed through laboratory testing done at DCHHS.
This individual reported attendance at Daddyland Festival events and private parties while infectious. There is a concern for local, community transmission for anyone who attended these events and participated in activities that pose high risk for monkeypox transmission. Dallas County has previously reported four monkeypox cases among county residents. All four of those cases are local residents who have self-identified as men who have sex with other men (MSM) and reported a history of international travel.
Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can spread monkeypox through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or shared items (such as clothing and bedding) that have been contaminated with fluids or sores of a person with . Persons with monkeypox may develop symptoms such as a fever, swollen lymph nodes and general body aches before developing a rash. Common household disinfectants can kill the monkeypox virus.
Here are some guidelines the Dallas County Health & Human Services (DCHHS) has established to minimize the spread and help keep everyone safe.
