Another case of monkeypox was confirmed in Hidalgo County, bringing the total to eight.
Hidalgo County reported the additional case of monkeypox on Monday as part of its weekly update on the spread of the virus, though it did not disclose any details about the new case.
As of Friday, there were 16 cases throughout Public Health Region 11, a 19-county region in South Texas that includes the Rio Grande Valley, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Currently, there are 2,327 cases throughout the state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, muscle aches, back aches, lymphadenopathy, and chills. They also include exhaustion that is followed by a rash within one to three days after the appearance of a fever, according to county health officials.
The rash begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. It’s uncommon for the rash to be the first and only symptom.
The illness can last two to four weeks.
The virus can spread through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, respiratory droplets, mucous secretions, or contact with contaminated objects or surfaces such as bedding.
Individuals who think they may have contracted monkeypox or have been in contact with someone with monkeypox are asked to contact the county health department at (956) 318-2426.
To be eligible for a vaccine, people must be 18 years of age or older and meet the following criteria:
>> Have had a high-risk exposure to a person with monkeypox
>> Were diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or early syphilis within the past three to six months
>> Are men who have sex with men and have had multiple or anonymous sex partners within the past 21 days
>> Have a sex partner who is showing symptoms of monkeypox such as a rash or sores
The county, however, said it will not be able to vaccinate every person who meets the criteria, citing a limited supply of the vaccine.
Residents that do not meet the criteria will not be not be able to receive the vaccine.
