Monkeypox case reported in Lee County

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) - According to the Florida Department of Health's (FDOH) website, a confirmed, diagnosed case of Monkeypox was reported in Lee County last month. 

The case is reported on FLHealthCharts between the timeframe of January 1, 2026, and January 24, 2026. The confirmed case involves a person aged 35 to 39 who acquired the virus in Florida, according to FDOH’s data.

In the same timeframe, there are 16 confirmed cases statewide of Monkeypox acquired in Florida.

According to FDOH, Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by a virus primarily found in central and western Africa. It can be transmitted from animals to humans. 

According to the FDOH website, monkeypox is not very contagious, with the risk of contracting the disease low.

The website also states, "Recently, there has been an increase in human mpox infections in different parts of the world, including the U.S."

Symptoms are flu-like, including fever, chills, headache, tiredness, and muscle aches.

Currently, the gender, name of the individual and current condition of the confirmed Lee County case is unknown. 

WINK News is actively working to gather more information about the local case and will provide updates as they become available.