First Monkeypox Cases Confirmed in Minnesota

June 30, 2022

This past week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported the first cases of monkeypox virus infection in the state of Minnesota. One patient likely was exposed while traveling abroad; the other was not traveling. 

The virus does not easily spread between people with casual contact, but transmission can occur through contact with infectious sores and body fluids; contaminated items, such as clothing or bedding; or through respiratory droplets associated with prolonged face-to-face contact. 

“While the threat of monkeypox generally remains low, it’s important that everyone be aware of this disease, so that those at risk can seek medical care and get tested promptly if they believe they have symptoms,” said Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. 

As of June 24, CDC reported 201 cases of monkeypox/orthopoxvirus in 26 other U.S. states. In recent months, more than 4,100 cases have been reported in 47 countries where the disease is not typically reported. Because monkeypox requires close and prolonged contact, close-knit social networks have been particularly impacted. Close contact, sustained skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, with a person with monkeypox or contact with contaminated items are important risk factors. 

Over the last month, MDH has been working with healthcare providers and community partners to promote awareness of monkeypox, including what symptoms to look for, how to test for it, and ways to help prevent transmission. 

Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters. In this outbreak, some individuals have had a rash only and no other symptoms, and sometimes the rash consists of only a few sores. The rash can occur in the mouth, and there may be sores in the genital and anal areas. In other cases, a rash may be on the face and on other parts of the body.  

The illness typically lasts two to four weeks and most people get better on their own without treatment. However, sometimes monkeypox can cause scars from the sores, lead to pneumonia, and in rare cases even be fatal. People who have monkeypox can spread the virus from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. 

More information about the virus and how to limit infection risk can be found on the Monkeypox page on the MDH website.