DENTON COUNTY, Texas — Denton County Public Health (DCPH) announced Wednesday they've identified the second and third presumptive positive cases of monkeypox in Denton County.
DCPH said they are investigating these cases and working to identify individuals who may have had contact with the patients. No further personal information was released to protect their confidentiality.
The cases are presumptive positive until the CDC confirms them, DCPH officials stated.
Denton County health officials said the first confirmed person was symptomatic and a reported known contact with a confirmed case.
"While there is minimal known risk to the general public at this time, we are working with our partners at the local, state, and federal level to respond to the recent outbreak of monkeypox in the US," stated Dr. Matt Richardson, Director of Public Health. "It is important that healthcare providers recognize potential infection and contact DCPH immediately for lab testing assistance."
A report from the state health department released Tuesday confirmed there are 110 cases of monkeypox reported across Texas.
"Monkeypox cases are increasing in Texas, and we’re asking the community to be aware of symptoms," Richardson said. “As before, the risk to the general public is low. However, limiting exposure to individuals who are sick, previously exposed and have a symptomatic rash is important. We continue to encourage healthcare providers to assess for potential infection.”
Dallas County has reported 52 monkeypox cases among residents. The department said monkeypox can impact anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, and can spread through contact with bodily fluids, monkeypox sores and shared items that are contaminated with fluids or sores of a person with monkeypox.
Monkeypox symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes and general body aches before developing a rash.
Denton County Public Health said it is investigating its local case and working to identify individuals who may have had direct contact with the patient.
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