FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 20, 2022

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first death of a Clark County resident diagnosed with monkeypox. The patient was a male over the age of 50 with underlying medical conditions whose death was attributed to other causes.

“This is a tragic situation, and our sympathies are with his family and friends,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Health District.

The Health District is reminding the public that anyone can get monkeypox; however, people who are immunocompromised are at greater risk for serious illness and complications if infected with the virus.

People can protect themselves from monkeypox by avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have monkeypox, contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used, and washing their hands often. Vaccination remains an important tool for preventing the spread of monkeypox. The JYNNEOS vaccine is a two-dose series and is available through the Health District. It is important for those who have received their first dose of the vaccine to return for the second dose to ensure they get the best protection, not just partial protection, against the virus. For clinic information, go to www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/Health-Topics/monkeypox/monkeypox-vaccine-clinics/.

TPOXX (the antiviral drug tecovirimat) is available to treat people who are more at risk for severe illness from monkeypox. A health care provider may provide TPOXX for people who are immunocompromised; have severe monkeypox disease; who are children, particularly those under 8 years old; with active conditions that affect the skin; or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. More information is available at www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/if-sick/treatment.html.

As of October 18, the Health District is reporting 270 confirmed and probable cases in Clark County, including the individual who recently died. An estimated 7,055 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Clark County. Updated information is available on the Health District website at www.snhd.info/monkeypox.

Additional prevention information is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/prevention/protect-yourself.html.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.