According to a July 6 press release, the case of monkeypox was confirmed to be an out-of-state visitor who was in town for the five-day Daddyland Festival over the Independence Day weekend.
The visitor was diagnosed through laboratory testing done through DCHHS after they went to a Dallas hospital, according to the press release.
This individual reported attendance at Daddyland Festival events and private parties while infectious, according to a statement. DCHHS officials said those who attended the festival's events, which included dance parties, pool parties and nightclub events, could have been exposed to monkeypox and possibly infected based on the size of the event.
Dallas County previously reported four monkeypox cases among county residents. According to the press release, all four of those cases were local residents who self-identified as men who have sex with other men and reported a history of international travel.
According to the press release, monkeypox can be spread through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores or shared items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores of a person with monkeypox. In addition, monkeypox can also spread through respiratory droplets typically in a close setting, such as people living in the same household or in a health care setting. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services previously reported at least 12 cases of monkeypox in the state so far.
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, swollen lymph nodes and general body aches before developing a rash, according to a statement. County officials said common household disinfectants can kill the monkeypox virus. The illness, which typically lasts for two to four weeks, can be confused with chickenpox, shingles or a sexually transmitted infection.
Dallas County officials said those who attended the Daddyland Festival parties should be aware of their risk and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of monkeypox. Many cases nationally occur within sexual networks, according to the press release. More information can be found on the Texas Health and Human Services website.
