FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 6, 2022

LAS VEGAS — The Southern Nevada Health District has received reports of two additional probable monkeypox cases in Clark County residents. The additional cases are a man in his 50s and a man in his 30s, one of whom is isolating at home and the other is hospitalized. The Health District is looking at the health status of close contacts and specimens are being sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation. This brings the total number of confirmed or probable monkeypox cases to four in Clark County. None of these cases are associated with each other. As of Wednesday, the U.S. has reported a total of 560 cases.

Previously, the Health District reported a confirmed case of monkeypox in a man in his 20s with a history of travel and a man in his 30s who was diagnosed in another state. The Health District is continuing its investigations regarding these initial cases. The Health District has not yet received confirmation regarding the individual diagnosed in another state.

Monkeypox spreads from person to person through direct contact with the infectious sores, rash, or bodily fluids; through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex; or through touching items, such as linens, that have been used by someone who has monkeypox. Additionally, pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus. Identified contacts are asked to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days post exposure. People with unknown rashes or lesions should contact their health care provider for an assessment and avoid sex or being intimate during that time.

People who are immunocompromised, young children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with certain skin conditions may be more at risk for severe illness. People who test positive for monkeypox should follow the treatment and prevention recommendations of their health care provider and the Health District.

The Health District ordered a small number of monkeypox vaccines, known by the brand name Jynneos, for high-risk people including laboratory personnel, cases and close contacts. According to the CDC, the vaccine is effective in preventing monkeypox disease up to four days after exposure and may reduce the severity of symptoms if given up to 14 days after exposure.

At this time, the risk of monkeypox in the United States is believed to be low. Monkeypox does not spread easily between people, and the time between exposure and when symptoms start gives health officials more time to track down contacts and break the chain of infection. People who do not have monkeypox signs or symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

Recommendations for those who may have had contact with monkeypox virus are available on the CDC’s Exposure Risk Assessment and Public Health Recommendations page.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info.