SAN FRANCISCO — The first probable case of monkeypox in San Francisco has been detected, the city’s public health department announced Friday.

The case was identified through testing at a California Department of Public Health lab, the SFDPH said in a news release. The agency said it was awaiting confirmation of those test results from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The announcement comes amid a recent surge in cases globally and in the United States.

The resident, who traveled to an area with an outbreak of monkeypox cases, is in isolation and in good condition, according to the agency. And the resident did not report any close contacts in the city during the period when he could have spread the infection to others.

The SFDPH said the risk to the general population from the virus is considered low because the known cause of spread is prolonged contact and bodily fluids. Having close physical contact, including sex, with multiple people can put a person at higher risk.

Monkeypox appears as a rash or distinctive sores on the skin anywhere on the body, including the genital area, and often begins with flu-like symptoms, according to the agency.

The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks and most recover, according to the CDC.

“San Francisco is prepared for this case and more are expected to occur,” San Francisco health officer Dr. Susan Philip said in a statement.

“We want to emphasize that this is not a disease that spreads easily through the air like COVID-19, but we want people who may have been exposed to watch for symptoms and seek medical attention immediately. health if they develop symptoms for an evaluation,” Philip continued. “While most cases resolve on their own, monkeypox can be serious in rare cases, and we want to prevent further spread in the community.”

The SFDPH urged anyone who may have been exposed to monkeypox, or may be showing symptoms, to immediately contact their health care provider for evaluation and advice.

Check back for updates.