TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — Tarrant County health officials reported their second confirmed case of monkeypox Wednesday afternoon.
"Our Epidemiology Division has confirmed that the two cases in the county belong to adult males," a Tarrant County news release stated. "The second case is a result of exposure in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with no history of travel during the exposure time, indicating localized transmission in the DFW metroplex."
County officials stated they have also been notified of a third potential case and are awaiting further information to confirm it is a Tarrant County resident.
Tarrant County health officials said monkeypox can spread through body fluids, lesions and shared items contaminated with fluids such as bedding, as well as through respiratory droplets by people in close proximity after prolonged exposure. Symptoms include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes and body aches.
County officials said cases are accruing nationwide within sexual networks, but health officials say monkeypox can impact anyone, regardless of sexual orientation.
Suspected or confirmed monkeypox cases in Tarrant County can be reported to the Tarrant County Public health Department, Epidemiology Division at 817-321-5350.
More information can be found on TCPH's monkeypox page or by calling Tarrant County Public Health at 817-248-6299.