Tucson Standard

The Pima County Health Department recently reported its first probable case of monkeypox in the county. 

According to KGUN9, the news was released at a July 12 press conference. 

"We are announcing today our first probable case of monkeypox," Pima County Director of Health Theresa Cullen said, KGUN9 reported. "This is an individual who is less than 40 years old. They are appropriately isolating. Our epidemiological staff is working closely with this individual. We have done contact tracing, if you recall, that is when we ask the case what are the potential contacts. We have been in touch with the State, who has been a wonderful partner here. As well as the CDC."

The disease is spread via direct skin contact with an infected person's rash, sores or scabs. According to KGUN9, the health department said that symptoms of the illness include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, backaches, swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion.

"ADHS is coordinating with federal partners and local health departments to identify new cases and request vaccine," interim ADHS director of Arizona State Health Department Don Herrington said, according to KGUN9. "We also are encouraging health care providers to be on alert for patients experiencing rashes and other symptoms that could indicate monkeypox."

"The Pima County Health Department and @AZDHS have identified the first probable case of monkeypox in the County. Learn more about symptoms and how monkeypox spreads at http://pima.gov/monkeypox" the Pima County Health Department wrote in a July 12 Twitter post.