Monkeypox case confirmed in Maryland, says CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday confirmed that a rare case of monkeypox has been found in a human in Maryland.

According to the CDC press release, a person contracted the virus while traveling to Nigeria, and brought it back to the U.S.

RELEASE: The @MDHealthDept, in collaboration with the @CDCgov, today confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in a Maryland resident who recently returned from Nigeria.

Learn more: https://t.co/GhXLA2vnd3

— Maryland Department of Health (@MDHealthDept) November 17, 2021

"Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body. Monkeypox re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017 after more than 40 years with no reported cases," the release stated. "Since 2017, 218 cases have been confirmed in Nigeria and eight cases have been reported in international travelers from Nigeria, including a case in Texas in July 2021 and the current case."

The deadly virus is related to the much more severe disease Smallpox, which has been eradicated since the 1970s. The disease gains its name because it was first discovered in monkeys in Africa.

Officials are now trying to figure out if the patient infected other people.

"CDC is working with international health counterparts, the airline, and state and local health officials in the Washington, D.C. area to contact airline passengers and others who may have been in contact with the patient," said the statement.

The patient is currently in isolation awaiting further testing.