City of Gary confirms monkeypox case

Michael Gallenberger

Monkeypox has been found in the city of Gary. Gary Health Commissioner Dr. Roland Walker says it's one of the first cases confirmed in Indiana.

“On June 18, a test was performed at Methodist Northlake outpatient lab, and on June 19 it was confirmed: the first case of monkeypox in the city of Gary. Now, there are two confirmed cases in the state of Indiana, both confirmed on June 19,” Walker announced Tuesday.

Walker said the patient is being monitored, and the Gary Health Department is tracing contacts. He declined to share whether the individual had traveled outside the country or been in contact with someone who had, but he said the health department investigated that possibility.

Gary Mayor Jerome Prince said he isn't surprised the virus has spread to the city, since multiple cases have been found near Chicago. “There is no reason to be alarmed, and there is absolutely no reason to panic. We do not believe that monkeypox is as easily transmitted as COVID-19,” Prince said.

Monkeypox can cause fever and other flu-like symptoms, along with a rash lasting two to four weeks. Walker asked those who may have symptoms to call their doctor and then isolate if monkeypox is confirmed.