1st case of monkeypox confirmed in Mecklenburg County: Tuesday, June 28

Health officials confirmed the first case of monkeypox in Mecklenburg County Monday, just days after the first case of the illness was reported in North Carolina.

Mecklenburg County Public Health said most monkeypox infections last 2-4 weeks. Monkeypox is a rare, but potentially serious, viral illness that typically involves flu-like symptoms, swelling of the lymph nodes and a rash that includes bumps that are initially filled with fluid before scabbing over.

Mecklenburg County health leaders are working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the patient's health care provider to notify any individuals who were in contact with the patient while they were infectious. Monkeypox is typically spread through skin-to-skin contact.

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/health/monkeypox-mecklenburg-county-north-carolina-first-case-confirmed/275-589baedd-25bd-4420-9ac1-6cb1e7364d17

Forty-six people were found dead of heat-related injuries inside a semitruck in far southwest San Antonio on Monday evening, and federal authorities have opened an investigation.

San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood said 16 others were taken to local hospitals. Of those, 12 are adults and four are "pediatric" patients.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said three people were taken into custody, but at this time it's unknown whether they're "absolutely connected to this or not."

“The plight of migrants seeking refuge is always a humanitarian crisis. Tonight we’re dealing with a horrific human tragedy," San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said.

The nationalities and ages of the victims haven't been confirmed. If the incident is confirmed as having started as a smuggling attempt, it would be the deadliest such event in U.S. history.

Hood said those transported to hospitals appeared to be suffering from heat stroke and exhaustion, adding there were "no signs of water" or working air conditioning in the truck.

“We’re not supposed to open up a truck and see stacks of bodies in there," the fire chief added. "None of these people were able to extricate themselves out of the truck, so they were still in there awaiting help when we arrived. Too weak in state to actually get out and help themselves."

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/san-antonio-monday-evening-south-side-law-enforcement-police/273-991af328-d8a2-4f82-a1ee-7d6e65123a17

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