MUNCIE, Indiana – As of Thursday, the number of monkey pox cases in Indiana was 62, according to the Centers for Disease Control, up from 45 on the previous Thursday. These data included at least two pediatric cases.
The disease, largely spread by skin contact, has been spreading in the United States since May 17, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began their response to the US outbreak. epidemic. The World Health Organization declared monkey pox a “global state of emergency” in late July.
Megan Wade-Taxter, a spokesman for the Indiana Department of Health, said the agency did not currently have monkey pox data broken down by county or region level. She had no records of the disease in East Central Indiana.
More:The Biden administration declares monkey pox as a public health emergency
In late July, Marion County reported 17 suspected cases of monkey pox, the Indianapolis Star reported. Cases also occurred elsewhere in the state; Tippecanoe County Health Department announced on July 28 that the county had three confirmed but “mild” cases of monkey pox, and just days earlier, St. Joseph announced his first confirmed case.
Is there a monkey pox vaccine in my area? Maybe, but supply is the key
Last week, Indiana received 3,232 doses of the Jynneos vaccine used to control monkey pox. According to IDOH, due to the limited supply of vaccines, vaccines are initially prioritized for people who come into close contact with positive cases to prevent severe illness.
An additional vaccine is expected soon in the state, according to an IDOH statement. Eligibility for a vaccine will be extended to groups with a high risk of exposure as stocks increase.
Is monkey pox a sexually transmitted disease?
Jammie Bane, administrator of the Delaware County Department of Health, said monkey pox poses a general threat to the population.
“Our citizens must be aware that anyone can catch monkey pox,” he said in an email. “It appears to be an equal opportunity virus that mainly spreads through direct contact. However, epidemiological data seem to indicate that a smaller subset of our population has so far been at a higher risk for this epidemic. ‘
Pandemic update:New COVID cases in Delaware County are flat; Indiana cases increased 5.8%
About 99.1% of all confirmed cases are male, and 98.4% of these men reported having male-to-male sexual contact, Bane said.
“Some patients report very mild symptoms and therefore fail to protect others by avoiding contact,” he said. “Skin lesions are usually the main symptom people associate with monkey pox. These changes may be obvious, but they may also appear mild, like many other common rashes or skin conditions. “
Bane said understanding the common symptoms of monkey pox and risk factors helps to avoid contracting monkey pox.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, advised those most at risk to consider reducing their sexual partners.
Change in works:Some smoking stores in Indiana switch to marijuana related sales
“It means making safe choices for yourself and others, for men who have sex with men,” said the Associated Press. “This includes reducing the number of sexual partners for the time being.”
“Monkey pox is not easily spread through short, casual contact, but it’s important to remember that anyone can be affected if they are in close contact with a positive case,” Indiana Health Commissioner Kris Box said in a press release. “Hoosiers who believe they may have been exposed or develop symptoms consistent with monkey pox are encouraged to contact their physician.”
How is monkey pox virus spread?
Marshall Glesby, an infectious disease specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, told USA Today that the disease could be passed on to anyone; for example, two children in the US contracted monkey pox through close contact with infected family members.
Legislative:Muncie legislators deal with complex issues in a dedicated session on abortion
According to IDOH, the disease belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. Symptoms are similar to, but milder, that of monkey pox, and monkey pox is rarely fatal.
In addition to contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids of a person with monkey pox, spread can also occur by touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by a person infected with monkey pox or through contact with respiratory secretions. WHO officials said anyone who comes into close contact with a patient or his contaminated clothing or sheet is at risk.
Monkey pox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of smallpox-like disease occurred in colonies kept for research purposes, hence its name, the CDC said. Rodents and non-human primates (such as monkeys) can carry the virus and infect humans.
What are the symptoms of monkey pox?
According to the CDC, symptoms of monkey pox can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Pain in muscles and back
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion or cough)
- Rash, which may be on or near the genitals or the anus, but may also affect other areas, such as the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
The UN health agency warned that the disease could be more severe among children and pregnant women.
Bane said the county health department encourages anyone with concerns to visit in.gov/health/monkeypox for more detailed information and to enroll at http://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/lUaRCL91K8fNgKqw7TPqxxp? domain = bit.ly to be notified of the clinic’s capabilities in the WI area.
So far, according to the CDC, approximately 25,391 cases have been reported in more than 83 countries, and 6,325 cases have been reported in the US
BE INFORMED AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL JOURNALIST: Subscribe today using the link at the top of this page.