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Passenger traveling through a Southern state and city on a flight according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last week that there has been a confirmed case of monkeypox. In fact, the U.S. resident has traveled from Lagos, Nigeria to the Southern city on July 8th. Then they arrived there on July 9. From there, caught a flight to Dallas.

Passenger and Who They May Have Infected

Moreover, The CDC said it is working closely with the airline, state, and local health officials in Atlanta, Georgia to determine who may contact the passenger. 

“In fact, the travelers on these flights are requiring to wear masks. Thus in the U.S. airports due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” the CDC said. “Therefore if this mandate is adhering to, it is believed, though, the risk of spread of monkeypox via respiratory droplets to others on the planes and in the airports is low.”

Passenger: Monkeypox is a Rare Illness

Monkeypox is defining by the CDC as a “rare but potentially serious viral illness. It typically, in fact, begins with flu-like illness. There is also swelling of the lymph nodes. Moreover, it progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body.”

Similiar to Smallpox

In fact, CDC experts say the monkeypox infection is, in fact, similar to smallpox and the same family but is milder. In fact, they said lab testing showed the strain the U.S. traveler is infecting with is a strain most typically seen in West Africa, also including Nigeria. Moreover, the strain is fatal in approximately 1 in 100 people, however the risk of death increases for people with weakened immune systems.

Monkeypox Infections

Most infections last 2-4 weeks, according to the CDC. They, in fact, are fatal in about 1 in 100 people.

The CDC said there have been at least six reporting monkeypox cases from Nigerian travelers. This is prior to this current case. This includes the United Kingdom, Israel, and Singapore.

The current case is not related to any previous cases, according to the CDC.