ARIZONA NEWS

Monkeypox spreads in state beyond metro Phoenix, but health expert says threat is low

Jul 13, 2022, 11:52 AM
monkeypox samples...
A medical laboratory technician picks up from a fridge a reactive to test suspected monkeypox samples at the microbiology laboratory of La Paz Hospital on June 6, 2022, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)

PHOENIX — Arizona health officials have said monkeypox has spread in the state beyond metro Phoenix, but an expert said Wednesday there isn’t much to worry about when it comes to the disease.

“This isn’t a huge public health threat in Arizona because direct contact is how it’s spread,” Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, told KTAR News 92.3 FM The Mike Broomhead Show. “It’s not anything to do with respiratory like COVID or anything.”

The state’s first non-Valley monkeypox case was diagnosed Tuesday in a man under 40 in Pima County who is isolating, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

There are eight monkeypox cases — one confirmed and seven presumptive positive — in Maricopa County.

The state’s most populous county has a limited supply of vaccine for those who have the disease or who have been exposed.

“Maricopa has got the vaccine, which is actually smallpox vaccine, and they’re doing vaccination around the direct contact,” Humble said.

“So, Maricopa and Pima are doing the right thing but this isn’t something for people to freak out about.”

Monkeypox transmission normally requires skin-to-skin contact, direct contact with body fluids or prolonged face-to-face contact.

Symptoms are typically similar to the flu with a rash and resolve within 2-4 weeks.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Twitter Photo/@NWSFlagstaff)...
KTAR.com

Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from March 24-26

Northern Arizona could be hit with more snow, a missing woman was found dead in Mexico and six people were arrested for mailing fentanyl.
1 day ago
(Facebook File Photo/Glendale Police Department - Arizona)...
KTAR.com

Police search for suspects after 2 teen girls injured in Glendale shooting

Glendale police are searching for suspects involved in a shooting after two teenage girls were hospitalized over the weekend.
1 day ago
(Facebook Photo/Arizona State Prison Complex - Lewis)...
KTAR.com

Homicide investigation underway after inmate found dead at Buckeye prison

The Arizona Department of Corrections is investigating a homicide after an inmate was found dead inside of his housing unit with injuries.
1 day ago
(Facebook Photo/Phoenix Police Department)...
KTAR.com

Phoenix police investigate shooting that left man dead

Police are investigating a reported shooting from Friday that left a man dead in Phoenix, authorities said.
1 day ago
(Stevens Leinweber Construction Photo)...
KTAR.com

Valley-based construction company completes Phoenix Logistics Center

A 160,000-square-foot logistics center finished construction in Phoenix for packaging provider, Georgia-Pacific LLC.
1 day ago
Lauren Daigle performs onstage during the Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honorin...
KTAR.com

Christian singer Lauren Daigle’s tour coming to Glendale in November

Contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle is scheduled to perform at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale in November.
1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

(Photo: OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center)...

Here’s what you need to know about OCD and where to find help

It's fair to say that most people know what obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders generally are, but there's a lot more information than meets the eye about a mental health diagnosis that affects about one in every 100 adults in the United States.
...
Quantum Fiber

How high-speed fiber internet edges out cable for everyday use

In a world where technology drives so much of our daily lives, a lack of high-speed internet can be a major issue.
(Desert Institute for Spine Care photo)...
DESERT INSTITUTE FOR SPINE CARE

Why DISC is world renowned for back and neck pain treatments

Fifty percent of Americans and 90% of people at least 50 years old have some level of degenerative disc disease.
Monkeypox spreads in state beyond metro Phoenix, but health expert says threat is low