A probable monkeypox case has been identified in LaSalle County. The county health department says the CDC hasn’t confirmed it yet, but the Illinois Department of Public Health is working on contact tracing to notify others who may have been exposed.
The characteristic symptom of monkeypox is the rash that looks like pimples or blisters. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes.
It doesn’t spread as easily as COVID-19. High risk of spreading the virus is through close physical contact including sex. Intermediate risk is by being close to someone infected for more than three hours or handling the person’s bedding and bodily fluids. Low risk is more brief entry into a person’s living space.