First monkeypox case reported in New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Health officials in New Hampshire say they have identified the state’s first probable case of monkeypox.

The state Department of Health announced Wednesday that the patient is a resident of Rockingham County. Further information was withheld to protect their privacy.

Dr. Jonathan Ballard, the department’s chief medical officer, said health officials are investigating to see if any additional people were exposed.

“While this is a concerning development, the risk to the general public is very low,” he said.

Monkeypox typically spreads by skin-to-skin contact, or contact with contaminated clothing or bedding. Most patients suffer fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. Others might develop a rash and lesions.

The case was first identified through testing at the state’s public health lab. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is retesting the sample to confirm the positive result.

Cases have now been reported in more than half the states. Many — but not all — of those who contracted the virus had traveled internationally. Most were men who have sex with men, but health officials stress that anyone can get monkeypox.