CDC confirms US case of monkeypox

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday confirmed a case of monkeypox in the U.S.

The CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services said a U.S. resident who traveled to Texas from Nigeria had a confirmed case of monkeypox.

The person took two flights on his way back to Texas: one from Nigeria to Atlanta and another from Atlanta to Dallas.

The person is currently hospitalized in Dallas as officials look to get in touch with those who may have had close contact with him during the flights.

“Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body,” the CDC said in its statement. 

The strain of monkeypox the person in Dallas has is typically seen in Nigeria and West Africa. The infection can last anywhere from two to four weeks, and is fatal in about 1 in 100 people.