Health officials are still investigating but say the general public is currently not considered at risk, according to a July 11 news release.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection from a virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has been tracking an outbreak of the disease in recent months in several countries, including the U.S.
Dallas County has reported five confirmed cases of monkeypox, including its most recent case over the July 4 holiday involving a person who had been visiting from out of state. The Dallas County cases involved men having sex with other men, according to a news release.
As of July 8, there have been 27 cases of monkeypox in the state, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The disease is spread through contact with bodily fluids, lesions or items such as bedding or clothing that have been contaminated by fluids, according to the Tarrant County news release. Monkeypox can also spread through respiratory droplets to others nearby, such as people living in the same household, health officials say.
Symptoms include rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes and body aches, the release stated.
According to Tarrant County Public Health, cases across the U.S. are occurring within sexual networks.
"Persons who are at high risk for monkeypox exposure should be aware of their risk and seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of monkeypox," according to the release.
People wanting more information may visit the Tarrant County Public Health's Monkeypox page or call the department's information line at 817-248-6299.
