FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — South Florida health officials on Monday confirmed they are investigating a second presumptive case of monkeypox in Broward County.
The second case was reported just one day after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed it was investigating the state’s first suspected case of the virus, also in Broward County.
>> Related: Monkeypox: South Florida health officials, CDC investigating possible case
Meanwhile, health officials in Massachusetts confirmed the first known 2022 U.S. case last week, and health officials in New York began investigating a presumptive case of the virus on Friday.
>> Related: First case of monkeypox in US this year confirmed in Massachusetts
>> Related: New York City health officials investigating suspected monkeypox case
According to WPLG, the presumptive Florida cases are part of the largest monkeypox outbreak ever seen outside of Africa, with at least 190 confirmed or suspected global cases.
The individual believed to be the second-known Florida case detected has been isolated, and the risk of exposure remains low, WSVN reported.
Meanwhile, Florida’s first presumptive case is believed to be related to international travel, leading health officials to classify the risk to the community as low because contracting the virus requires contact with lesions or items that have been contaminated by lesions, according to a news release.
>> Related: Monkeypox: What is it, how dangerous is it, should you be concerned?
The monkeypox virus is a rare but potentially serious illness, WFXT-TV reported. It typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes before progressing to a rash on the face and body, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Contact tracing is currently underway regarding the presumptive Broward County cases, WSVN reported.
©2022 Cox Media Group
