North Dakota identifies initial case of monkeypox

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Health officials say a man from the eastern part of the state has contracted the state’s first assumed case of monkeypox. The escalating disease has emerged in more than 50 countries and 44 U.S. states. The person, who is now isolating, likely caught the virus while traveling outside the state. The sample will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation. Health officials are working to find people who may be at risk because of close contact with the infected person. Common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. State officials say the risk for monkeypox in North Dakota continues to be low.