First Monkeypox Death Reported in the US

Monkeypox is a smallpox-like zoonotic orthopoxvirus in the poxviridae family. The WHO declared a public health emergency after the 2022 outbreak caused the virus to spread. Since the viral spread, private, local, and federal government organizations have monitored the disease and its side effects. On August 30, 2022, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported the first monkeypox death in the United States.

This announcement follows the recent identification of the first pediatric monkeypox case.

Monkeypox symptoms include fevers, headaches, swelling of the lymph nodes, muscle aches, fatigue, and painful skin eruptions. The severity of the symptoms varies from patient to patient.

The Texas patient passed on August 28, 2022, in Harris County, located in Houston. At the time, Harris County health officials were unsure whether the patient’s death was related to their monkeypox diagnosis or not.

“We are sharing this information to err on the side of transparency and to avoid potential misinformation about this case,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo in the county’s press release. “The best way for us to fight this virus is through vaccines. Our goal is still to get as many people who qualify vaccinated as quickly as possible — I have always felt that vaccines are the key to reducing spread.”

While officials at the Texas DSHS are unsure what role monkeypox played in this death. This is the first reported death of a person diagnosed with monkeypox in the US. In addition to announcing the case, officials informed the public that this patient was immunocompromised.

It is well known that immunocompromised populations have difficulty fighting off infections.

“Monkeypox is a serious disease, particularly for those with weakened immune systems,” stated John Hellerstedt, MD, Texas DSHS Commissioner, in a news release. “We continue to urge people to seek treatment if they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms consistent with the disease.”

Immunocompromised and other at-risk populations are urged to get vaccinated if eligible, avoid contact with infected or potentially infected individuals, and practice good hygiene.

It is clear that the severity of this virus is not well understood. Further analysis needs to be done to determine how monkeypox will impact different populations and what can be done to prevent or minimize adverse outcomes.