Monkeypox

BOSTON —Massachusetts health officials on Wednesday confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in an adult male who health officials said recently traveled to Canada.

The Department of Public Health said monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that typically begins with flu-like symptoms and swelling of the lymph nodes. It progresses to a rash on the face and body, with most infections lasting two to four weeks.

The DPH said initial testing was completed late Tuesday at the state's laboratory in Jamaica Plain and confirmatory testing was completed on Wednesday at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The DPH said it was working closely with the CDC, relevant local boards of health, and the patient’s health care providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patient while he was infectious.

"This contact tracing approach is the most appropriate given the nature and transmission of the virus," the DPH said in a news release. "The case poses no risk to the public, and the individual is hospitalized and in good condition."