The Department of Health announced the first known case of monkeypox in Connecticut Tuesday.

The man is a resident of New Haven County and between 40 and 49 years old, according to the department.

He is isolating from others but not hospitalized.

The public health commissioner says although the country is experiencing an outbreak of monkeypox, the risk to Connecticut residents from this case is low.

Health officials say monkeypox spreads through skin-to-skin contact.

Some medical experts believe if you had a smallpox vaccine back in the early 1970s or earlier, you may have some protection from monkeypox, but Connecticut Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani points out it is hard to know for sure since this is the first outbreak of its kind in Connecticut.

The state is offering a vaccine for anyone who may be at-risk.

Residents are encouraged to contact their health care providers if experiencing signs of fever, swollen glands and new rashes, as monkeypox usually starts off with typical flu-like symptoms before the signature rash appears.