Monkeypox cases on the rise in western Washington
Jul 18, 2022, 6:45 PM
An employee prepares a syringe with Bavarian Nordic's vaccine (Imvanex / Jynneos) against monkeypox at Klinikum rechts der Isar. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa (Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images)
(Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Monkeypox cases continue to rise across the U.S., including here in Washington.
As of Monday, King County is reporting 48 cases, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
Only 16 cases were confirmed in King County this time last week.
Pierce and Snohomish County each have two confirmed cases.
In all, there have been 53 cases reported in Washington, with one person from out-of-state testing positive here.
The virus causes a rash that can look like bumps on your skin, pimples or blisters.
Some people report having a flu-like illness before they develop a rash.
Infections with the strain of monkeypox virus identified in the recent U.S. outbreak are rarely fatal, and most people should expect to recover in two to four weeks, according to Public Health — Seattle & King County.
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to monkeypox or has symptoms is urged to contact their healthcare provider.
Currently, there is no specific treatment approved for monkeypox.
