[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] A patient infected with monkeypox has died in Texas, USA. Health authorities are investigating whether monkeypox was the direct cause of death. If confirmed as a death due to monkeypox, it will be the first fatality in the United States.
According to economic media CNBC and others, Texas health authorities confirmed on the 30th (local time) that an adult patient infected with monkeypox has died. The deceased resided in the Houston area and was reported by authorities to have a severely compromised immune system.
Dr. John Hellestet, Texas State Health Commissioner, said, "Monkeypox is a serious disease, especially for people with weakened immune systems," and urged, "If you have been exposed to monkeypox or have similar symptoms, please seek treatment."
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 18,000 Americans are currently identified as infected with monkeypox. Confirmed cases have been reported in all states, Washington DC, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. The actual number of infections is estimated to far exceed the official data. Earlier this month, the Joe Biden administration declared a public health emergency regarding monkeypox.
Globally, 15 deaths have been confirmed due to monkeypox in eight countries including Cuba, Brazil, Ecuador, India, and Spain.
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