Johnson County Public Health has confirmed the first case of monkeypox in Johnson County. JCPH is working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health to investigate the circumstances of exposure and inform close contacts. Persons who test positive help public health identify others who may be at risk due to direct close contact.

Monkeypox infection happens through skin-to-skin contact, body fluids, monkeypox rash/sores or touching shared items (like clothing or bedding) that have been in contact with bodily fluids or the rash/sores. The virus can also be spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. Monkeypox is not generally considered a sexually transmitted infection, but can be transmitted during intimate contact.

People with monkeypox sometimes develop a flu-like illness with fever, fatigue, and enlarged lymph nodes followed by a rash. In other instances, people only develop a rash with or without swollen lymph nodes, that can look like pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. People usually develop monkeypox 7 to 14 days (and up to 21 days) after being exposed.

JCPH encourages the following individuals to call and seek guidance from their medical provider:

• Recently traveled to an area where monkeypox cases have been reported and you have symptoms of monkeypox especially if you have a rash or sores. You can find a list of the countries where monkeypox has been reported on the CDC website
• People who have symptoms of monkeypox, particularly the characteristic rash or sores
• Contact with a confirmed or suspected monkeypox case

Healthcare providers should continue to maintain vigilance and consult with their infection prevention support or Johnson County Public Health with questions or concerns.