Monkeypox cases have been identified in Dallas County. The Monkeypox virus spreads between people primarily through direct contact with sores, scabs, or body fluids from an infected individual. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact. Those infected with monkeypox may experience fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, as well as more serious complications. Some individuals will have mild to no symptoms and can still test positive for the virus.
Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk. However, men who have sex with men and who engage in high-risk sexual activities make up a substantial proportion of cases identified to date.
Dallas County Residents
| Date Last Updated | Confirmed Monkeypox Cases | Suspect Monkeypox Cases |
| Male 289 | ||
| August 12, 2022 | Female 3 | 45 |
| Total 292 |
Testing
If you believe you have been exposed to monkeypox and/or you are at high-risk and have developed a new rash on your body, then DCHHS recommends you get tested for monkeypox.
Before seeking testing, please call the provider first as they may have specific directions (some locations require appointments). Be sure to wear a mask, long pants, and a long sleeve shirt when you arrive for testing.
Below is a list of providers currently doing monkeypox testing
- Parkland Hospital: (214) 590-8000
*For Parkland patients only
- Prism Health: (214) 623-6830
Methodist, Medical City, and Baylor Scott and White primary care or urgent care clinics may have testing opportunities available. Please contact them directly to inquire.
Testing may also be available through your primary care provider. Please contact them directly to inquire.
Please avoid going to the Emergency Department for testing only unless other circumstances warrant the visit.
DCHHS is not responsible for the cost to the patient for testing, please talk to the provider about expected cost.
Vaccination
Vaccination is for prevention of monkeypox only. People with confirmed cases of monkeypox or symptoms of monkeypox are not eligible to receive the vaccine.
Vaccine remains in low supply and can currently only be offered to people who meet one of the below criteria. If you suspect you are at high risk, you may call (972) 692-2780. We are currently experiencing a high number of calls. If you do not get through or the line disconnects, please try back again.
- Persons who had close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has tested positive for monkeypox.
- Men (cisgender and transgender) 18 and older who have sex with men and who also have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the past 14 days
Isolation
Persons with a new rash—especially those who believe they have been exposed to monkeypox—should be assessed by a provider. If you suspect you have monkeypox, you should remain isolated in a private room in your own home while awaiting test results, as contact with others risks spreading illness.
People who have tested positive for monkeypox or have rash that remains untested should isolate at home until their scabs fall off and fresh, new skin forms. People can spread the monkeypox virus to others, even in late stages of healing, so it is essential people remain isolated until they are no longer infectious.
Isolation is also required while symptomatic with a fever or any respiratory symptoms, including sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough. People with those symptoms should remain isolated in the home and away from others unless it is necessary to see a healthcare provider or for an emergency.
The CDC is no loner requiring patients to get clearance from a medical provider in order to discontinue isolation. If a person with monkeypox is unable to isolate throughout the illness, they should follow CDC guidance, located here: Isolation and Prevention Practices for People with Monkeypox | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC.
Cases of Monkeypox by Dallas Zip Code
Information for Healthcare Providers
- DSHS Monkeypox HAN
- DCHHS Laboratory Requirements for Specimen Submittal for Monkeypox Virus Testing
- DSHS Monitoring Guidance for Individuals Exposed to Monkeypox Virus
- DCHHS Monkeypox Discharge Instructions
- CDC Smallpox/Monkeypox Vaccine Information Statement
- Instrucciones de alta del virus de la viruela
- Persona bajo instrucciones de monitoreo
Information for the Public
- CDC Resources: www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html
- DSHS Resources: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/IDCU/disease/monkeypox/Monkeypox/
