One more likely monkeypox case reported in Riverside County; total at 71
Riverside County Public Health reported an additional confirmed or probable monkeypox case in western Riverside County on Wednesday.
The patient, a man, is between the ages of 20 and 29, said county spokesperson Jose Arballo Jr.
Public Health is not disclosing the cities where people who get the virus live, at least for now, saying it could lead to patient identification.
There have been 71 confirmed and probable monkeypox cases reported in the county as of Wednesday.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. People usually become infected through close contact with skin lesions or bodily fluids of infected animals or humans (alive or dead), including droplets. The virus can also be spread through sexual contact, but it is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection.
Symptoms can occur five to 21 days after exposure, and include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, rash and lesions often in the genital and perianal region. Illness typically lasts for two to four weeks.
Anyone who believes they have been exposed to monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: One more likely monkeypox case in Riverside County; total at 71
