LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky health officials reported the state's first probable case of monkeypox on Friday, according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services did not release specific details about the patient or the circumstances surrounding the case. However, officials emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low.

Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials or infected animals.

Symptoms typically appear between five and 21 days after exposure and include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. Patients develop a rash that often begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.

State health officials said they are investigating the case and working to identify close contacts of the affected individual. The probable case will require confirmation through additional testing.

Kentucky joins several other states that have reported monkeypox cases in recent months. Health officials continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to practice good hygiene measures, including frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with individuals who show symptoms of illness.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to monkeypox or who develops symptoms consistent with the disease should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Additional information about monkeypox symptoms and prevention is available through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.