
Local leaders are now beginning to talk about preventing the spread of monkeypox as cases rise in the State. Knowing the symptoms and isolating potential cases has been touted by experts as the best way to stop the spread of monkeypox. Experts also told media outlets recently that education is power.
Unlike previous generations, many people haven’t gotten the smallpox vaccine which can help prevent monkeypox infections as well. Monkeypox belongs to the same virus family as smallpox but causes milder symptoms. People who get it experience fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. People with more serious illness may develop a rash and lesions on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body.
The period from exposure to becoming infected varies. The incubation period is from about five days to three weeks. Most people recover within about two to four weeks without needing to be hospitalized. Monkeypox can be fatal for up to one in 10 people and is thought to be more severe in children.
A few vaccines are available. People exposed to the virus are often given one of several smallpox vaccines. Anti-viral drugs are also being developed as the virus is now in the news all over the world.
A limited number of the monkeypox vaccines are being distributed in Washington state to help stop the virus’ spread. The state was allotted 796 doses of the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine, equating to 398 courses. Of those, 272 courses have been distributed to areas with known cases and close contacts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Public Health – Seattle & King County said it received 250 of those courses.
The current outbreak has more than 765 confirmed cases in the United States, including 14 in Washington State, according to CDC data updated July 9.
Monkeypox is a virus that originates in wild animals like rodents and primates, and occasionally jumps to people.