Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services have confirmed the first case of monkey pox in Boone County yesterday (Tuesday). The health department is working closely with the individual to identify any close contacts to offer them education and vaccination.
It’s true that overall risk of monkeypox remains low, yet there have been 47 cases across Missouri according to the CDC, up from 12 on August 4th.
Monkeypox symptoms of include fever, headache, muscle aches and backaches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, respiratory symptoms or a rash that looks like pimples or blisters. Contact your local health department immediately if you show these symptoms.
The state health department has allocated doses of a vaccine used to prevent monkeypox to five regional distribution hubs across the state, including Columbia.