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Montgomery County Public Health District has announced that five additional probable cases of monkeypox virus has been detected in the county, bringing the total number of cases to seven. In addition to that, the fifth case of West Nile virus for 2022 has also been confirmed for Montgomery County, officials said. 

All cases of monkeypox have occurred in men between the ages of 20 and 40. No further details on the patients have been released.

 

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ABOUT MONKEYPOX:

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people.

The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred on multiple continents.

WEST NILE VIRUS

Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed the fifth case of West Nile virus in Montgomery County for 2022.

The patient is a male in his 50’s and is a resident of the city of Conroe in the 77302 zipcode. He is currently recovering at home. 

 

What can you do to prevent WNV? Prevent mosquito bites! Click here to learn more.