A man from New Hampshire has been diagnosed with mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, following a recent trip to Eastern Africa. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reported the case.
This individual, hailing from Merrimack County, is currently self-isolating and recovering at home. The DHHS reassured the public that there is no current risk associated with his illness.
So far, mpox has not been shown to spread from person to person in New Hampshire or elsewhere in the U.S. This case marks the first diagnosis of clade I mpox in the state and the third overall in the country.
The DHHS is actively investigating the situation to track any close contacts of the man. Fortunately, there have been no public locations linked to potential exposure.
Dr. Benjamin Chan, an epidemiologist with the DHHS, explained that the virus primarily spreads through close physical contact with someone who has an active rash. The health department is working to inform and assist anyone who may have been in close contact with the individual, potentially offering preventive vaccination.
Mpox is caused by two main types of the virus: clade I and clade II. Clade II has been circulating at low levels in the U.S. since a larger outbreak in 2022, while clade I is responsible for recent outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa. Both strains require direct contact with an infected person or contaminated items for transmission; the virus does not spread through the air.
Individuals with mpox typically develop a rash that changes as the illness progresses. Initially, the rash can resemble pimples or blisters, often causing pain or itching. Over time, the lesions gradually form scabs before eventually healing.
Other symptoms may include fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. A person becomes contagious when they show symptoms and remains so until the rash heals completely.
Those traveling to Central or Eastern Africa or who believe they may be at risk are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers about the JYNNEOS vaccine.
If you have questions about mpox, New Hampshire’s Division of Public Health Services can be reached at 603-271-4496. More information on mpox is available here.
