A monkeypox patient in Texas likely represents the first US fatality tied to the ongoing global outbreak of the virus. The case-patient was from Harris County, home of Houston, and was described by state health officials as being severely immunocompromised.

"Monkeypox is a serious disease, particularly for those with weakened immune systems," said Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD, in a press release. "We continue to urge people to seek treatment if they have been exposed to monkeypox or have symptoms consistent with the disease."

DSHS officials said they are investigating what role monkeypox played in the patient's death. An autopsy will be performed, according to Harris County.

Today during a White House press briefing, Jennifer McQuiston, DVM, MS, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said deaths remain very rare from monkeypox. She said the CDC would aid Texas officials in determining what role—if any—monkeypox played in the patient's death.

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