The Northwestern Health Unit has seen no reported cases of monkeypox in our area.
The update comes as more cases are being reported in Minnesota.
The state’s health department says there are now six new cases, all adults who live in the Twin Cities area.
All of them have also travelled or had direct contact with someone who travelled recently.
The Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kit Young Hoon, says they are always on the lookout.
She says any health care provider who sees a case of the virus in their patient is to report it to the Northwestern Health Unit.
Dr. Young Hoon notes they will put out communication if they do see a case of monkeypox locally.
She says the most common symptoms are rash with blisters, fever, headaches, muscle aches, tiredness and swollen lymph nodes.
Dr. Young Hoon adds the virus can spread through close physical contact, including sexual contact with someone with symptoms.
She notes those at risk for severe disease include children under 12 years old, pregnant women and immune-compromised individuals.
Dr. Young Hoon stresses anyone with symptoms should isolate and talk to a health care provider to avoid spread.
Monkeypox spreads less easy than COVID-19 and when a person is symptomatic, but it does have a higher death rate.
