ST. LOUIS – Health officials in Missouri and Illinois are continuing to monitor monkeypox cases as the outbreak keeps growing across the U.S. Wednesday, Labcorp even announced it will be the first national commercial laboratory to begin testing for the disease.
The CDC is reporting 62 probable cases in Illinois and 3 in Missouri. The Illinois cases have been in the Chicago area. In Missouri, there were two cases in the Kansas City area and one recently reported in the Springfield area.
The data current show transmission is higher among people in close sexual networks. However, anyone in close contact like skin-to-skin or face-to-face to cases may get the infection.
The Illinois Department of Health is reminding people to learn the signs and symptoms of the virus. They include:
Key Symptom
- Rash, Bumps, or Blisters
These may appear anywhere on the body, including the genitals. This may look similar to syphilis, herpes, or other common skin rashes.
Other Symptoms
Fever & headaches
Muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes
