NewsDesk @bactiman63

On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported a presumptive case of monkeypox virus infection in an adult in the Twin Cities area.

Image/National Atlas of the United States

The patient likely was exposed while traveling abroad.

The patient is receiving outpatient care. MDH is conducting contact tracing with local health partners to identify anyone who may be at risk due to direct close contact with the patient while infectious. People with direct close contact are asked to watch for symptoms of illness.

The need for vaccine or antivirals is being evaluated on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with CDC officials. The CDC does not recommend broader use of the vaccine at this time; however, their evaluation of vaccine guidance is ongoing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of June 28, 306 total confirmed monkeypox/orthopoxvirus cases have been reported from 27 states and the District of Columbia.