Monkeypox kills an adult in Texas; this could be the virus's first death in the United States

According to local health experts, an immunocompromised adult in Texas may be the first person to die from monkeypox in the United States.

According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, the unidentified person died in Harris County, which provided no more information.

According to officials, the person had a monkeypox at the time of their death, and the “case is under investigation to ascertain what role monkeypox played in the death.”

“Monkeypox is a dangerous disease, especially for those with weaker immune systems,” said John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the state’s health services department.

“We continue to urge people to seek medical attention if they have been exposed to monkeypox or are experiencing symptoms consistent with the disease.”

Based on the most current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update, the United States has recorded more than 18,000 cases of monkeypox. As of Aug. 22, no one had died.

Globally, fifteen people have died.

The CDC’s spokeswoman acknowledged Tuesday that officials are “aware of a reported death.”

“Our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time.” It is critical to remember that infections with the Clade IIb monkeypox virus identified in this epidemic are rarely deadly.

“The vast majority of people who contract this type of the disease are expected to survive,” the CDC said.

On the other hand, people with compromised immune systems may be more prone to becoming critically ill or dying. The CDC monitors the monkeypox outbreak and actively collaborates with Texas officials to examine the situation.

“It is premature to ascribe a precise cause of death until the inquiry is completed.”

According to the CDC, monkeypox is a viral disease that spreads by “close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.” Sexual intercourse is one example, but it is not the only one.

Symptoms and indications include a rash that scabs before healing on the genitals, hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth; fever; chills; swollen lymph nodes; tiredness; muscle aches; headache; and respiratory difficulties such as a cough or nasal congestion.