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Writer's pictureDanny Etzael

MonkeyPox

Updated: May 18, 2023



Over the weekend the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Monkeypox a Global Emergency; with more than 16,000 cases in 75 countries. There are several cases; including those involving children, in the Atlanta area.


Here are some quick facts:

  • Rare

  • The first human case was in 1970 but first discovered in 1958 in a colony of monkeys

  • Monkeypox virus is in the same family as SmallPox

  • Symptoms are similar to SmallPox but milder—>rarely fatal

How is it spread:

  • Direct Contact (touching someone’s rash with Monkeypox or their items)

  • Prolong face-to—face contact (for example during kissing)

  • Pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetus


Signs and Symptoms:

(Typically the rash is first)

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Muscle arches/backache

  • Swollen lymph nodes

  • Rash (pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, or on hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus)


YOU ARE CONTAGIOUS UNTIL THE RASH HAS HEALED AND A FRESH LAYER OF SKIN HAS FORMED (2-4 WEEKS).


Prevention:

  • Avoid contact with someone with Monkeypox (touching, kissing, using utensils or towels &, etc)


Treatment:

  • Isolate yourself from people and pets (UNTIL RASH HAS HEALED)

  • 5 commercial labs including LabCorp and Quest can test for this virus

  • Monkeypox and Smallpox are similar therefore you can be treated with smallpox antivirals



Vaccination:

  • For those who have been exposed

  • People who are at high risk of being exposed (for example, healthcare workers)

  • Georgia is currently receiving the JYNNEOS vaccine (Licensed in 2019)

  • JYNNEOS is a two-dose series, least four weeks apart. Currently; for those 18 years & up.


I will update everyone as we learn more….


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