State may have new monkeypox case

A new probable case of monkeypox has been found in Indiana, bringing to 21 the total number of suspected or confirmed cases of the disease, state health officials said Thursday.

A new probable case of monkeypox has been found in Indiana, bringing to 21 the total number of suspected or confirmed cases of the disease, state health officials said Thursday.There are seven confirmed cases of monkeypox throughout the state. Of the remaining 14 cases, three are probable and 11 are suspected.Five of the 21 cases have required hospitalization, though all of those individuals have been treated and released.State officials have not released any information about those who are believed to have the disease.Monkeypox, a west African disease never before seen in the Western Hemisphere, is related to smallpox but is not as lethal. It causes rashes, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches and fever.Federal health officials have said infected prairie dogs from an Illinois pet store may have been sold to buyers in 15 states. A Gambian giant rat, a native of Africa, apparently infected a group of prairie dogs at the business.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that 29 people across the country have been confirmed to be infected with the monkeypox virus.As of June 25, there were 14 confirmed cases in Wisconsin and six in Illinois. One case each was confirmed in Kansas and Missouri.(Source: Indystar, June 26, 2003