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First pediatric monkeypox case confirmed in Washington state

caption: This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a monkeypox virion, obtained from a sample associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. The U.S. government is building up its supply of monkeypox vaccine to contend with escalating cases identified in a surprising international outbreak in 2022.
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This 2003 electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a monkeypox virion, obtained from a sample associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. The U.S. government is building up its supply of monkeypox vaccine to contend with escalating cases identified in a surprising international outbreak in 2022.
Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC via AP

Washington state has reported its first case of monkeypox, also known as MPV, in a person under the age of 18.

The person is 17 years old. The Department of Health is not releasing any further information, such as the county where they live, to protect the person's privacy.

According to a statement from Washington's Department of Health:

"While the risk for most people remains low, this case is a reminder that anyone can get MPV. Close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with a person with an infectious rash can cause infection, along with touching objects, fabrics and surfaces that have been used by someone with MPV, and/or contact with respiratory secretions. Monkeypox is not Covid – it is mostly spread through close, skin-to-skin contact, and far less likely to be spread in the air."

As of this reporting, Washington state has 333 confirmed MPV cases. The majority are in King County (275 cases).

This is not the only pediatric monkeypox case reported in the Northwest. The Oregon Health Authority is reporting its first pediatric case of MPV, according to the Oregonian.

Officials say the case is linked to an adult whose case was confirmed last month. No word yet on the child's age or exactly where they live.

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