KANKAKEE – The first confirmed case of Monkeypox has been identified locally.
The Kankakee Health Department announced the 1st case of MPV infection Monday morning.
“Kankakee County Health Department and IDPH are working with the CDC, the patient, and the patients’ healthcare providers to conduct contact tracing and identify any individuals who may have been in contact with the patient while infectious.” The Health Department said in a statement Monday.
While the risk is low to residents, signs of the infection manifest in the form of a rash that can look like pimples or blisters appearing on the face, inside the mouth, and other areas of the body.
Other signs of infection include fever, headache, and muscle aches.
“MPV does not spread easily between people and the risk to Kankakee County residents remains low.” The Health Department added.
Monkeypox spreads by close physical contact person to person and can be transmitted via items in close proximity to a contagious person such as clothing, bedding and other materials.
As of Monday there have been 831 reported cases of the disease in Illinois.
Monkeypox vaccines are available locally for eligible individuals. Those include gay, bisexual, cis or trans men who have had sex with men and are 18 years of age or older within the last 14 days can make an appointment at the Health Department by calling 815-802-9400 Option 1.
