Douglas County Health Department reports first case of monkeypox in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A case of monkeypox has been reported in Douglas County, according to the county’s health department.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says this is the first case of monkeypox in the state.

The 30-year-old man had a history of international travel and is now isolated at home.

Contact investigation is ongoing to inform those who may have been exposed, the health department says.

Symptoms of the disease are milder than smallpox but, the main difference is that monkeypox causes swelling of the lymph nodes.

The health department says that it also causes fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion.  A rash that looks like pimples is also a symptom of monkeypox.

“As monkeypox infections are increasingly identified throughout the US and the world, it’s critical we continue searching for it here in Nebraska,” said Dr. Matthew Donahue, Nebraska State Epidemiologist. “Monkeypox is spread through close contact with someone who has a characteristic rash. Nebraskans should be aware of the rash’s appearance, and we need individuals with that characteristic rash to talk to their healthcare providers so we can help arrange testing.”

Right now, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox.  But some antivirals have been used effectively, the health department says.

Those who suspect they have monkeypox or have been exposed, are asked to call the Health Department information Line at (402) 444-3400.

On Saturday, the World Health Organization said that the monkeypox outbreak should be monitored but it does not warrant being declared a global health emergency.

More information on monkeypox can be found here.