Today, Monday, local health officials announced the death of a Los Angeles County resident, who had a weakened immune system, from monkeypox. It is believed to be the first death in the United States from the disease.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health The cause of death was announced, and her spokesperson said an autopsy confirmed that. The patient was severely immunocompromised and was hospitalized. No other information about the person has been released.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking cases and has not confirmed any US deaths from the disease. Los Angeles County officials say they have worked with the CDC on their case.
A CDC spokesperson confirmed the cooperation but did not immediately respond when asked if this was the first death in the United States.
Texas public health officials on August 30 I reported the death of a person who were diagnosed with monkeypox. The person was severely immunocompromised, and his case is under investigation to determine the role monkeypox may have played in his death.
Read more: What does it really feel like to have monkeypox
Monkeypox is spread through skin-to-skin contact and prolonged exposure to respiratory droplets. It can cause a rash, fever, body aches and chills. Relatively few people require hospitalization, and only a handful of deaths worldwide have been directly linked to the disease.
The CDC recommends the monkeypox vaccine for people who have been in close contact with someone who has the disease; People who know a sexual partner who has been diagnosed in the past two weeks; and gay or bisexual men who have had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area known to spread the virus. The shots are also recommended for health care workers at risk of exposure.
The United States has the highest number of cases globally, with 21,985 confirmed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. California has recorded the most cases nationally, with more than 4,300. Blacks and Latinos have been disproportionately affected.
The recent drop in cases, along with an increase in vaccinations, encouraged the White House as officials promised to ramp up vaccination offerings at LGBTQ Pride festivals across the country in the coming weeks.
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