Two more cases of monkeypox being investigated in Nebraska

Both individuals who tested positive are now isolating and contact tracing is underway.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Neb. (KLKN) — The Douglas County Health Department says it’s investigating two more cases of monkeypox, bringing the state total to nine.

Both individuals who tested positive are now isolating and contact tracing is underway. These are the fifth and sixth cases in the county. The other three cases in Nebraska are from Lancaster County and the East-Central Health Department.

Currently, there is no specific treatment approved for monkeypox virus infections. However, the Douglas County Health Department says antivirals used to treat smallpox may help patients with monkeypox infection. DCHD’s vaccine supply remains extremely limited and will be approved only for those individuals at the highest risk.

Health officials stress the people most at risk of becoming infected must have several minutes of skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. However, experts say the outbreak currently disproportionately affects men who have sex with men and individuals who meet partners through online websites and digital applications (apps) or at social events.

The risk to the public is still considered low, per the Douglas County health director, but anyone with a characteristic monkeypox rash that looks like pimples or blisters should contact a healthcare provider or call the Health Department at (402) 444-3400.

For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control website or call the Douglas County Health Department Information Line at (402) 444-3400.