State issues declaration on Monkeypox

Aug 02, 2022 at 10:37 pm by Observer-Review


State issues declaration on Monkeypox ADVERTISEMENT

State issues declaration on Monkeypox

ALBANY-As the number of monkeypox cases continues to increase and more local health departments are responding to the outbreak, New York State Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary T. Bassett last week declared monkeypox an Imminent Threat to Public Health (ITPH) in New York state. There are currently 5,811 cases in the United States, 1,390 of which are in New York, mostly surrounding the New York City area. The governor followed up by issuing an executive order declaring a state disaster emergency to allow additional resources for the outbreak.
"Based on the ongoing spread of this virus, which has increased rapidly and affected primarily communities that identify as men who have sex with men, and the need for local jurisdictions to administer vaccines, I've declared monkeypox an Imminent Threat to Public Health throughout New York state," Bassett said. "This declaration means that local health departments engaged in response and prevention activities will be able to access additional state reimbursement, after other federal and state funding sources are maximized, to protect all New Yorkers and ultimately limit the spread of monkeypox in our communities."
Local health departments are actively responding to the outbreak through case investigation, vaccination of exposed contacts and high-risk populations, along with conducting education and outreach to the public.
The commissioner's declaration covers monkeypox prevention response and activities undertaken from June 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2022.
Monkeypox is primarily spread through close, physical contact between people. The viral infection does not usually cause serious illness, however, previous outbreak experience elsewhere suggests that the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant people and children under 8 years of age may be at heightened risk for severe outcomes.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include:
• Rashes, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals or in other areas like your hands, feet, chest, or face.
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur before or after the rash appears, or not at all.
Monkeypox is spread through close, physical contact between individuals. This includes:
• Direct contact with monkeypox sores or rashes on an individual who has monkeypox.
• Respiratory droplets or oral fluids from someone with monkeypox, particularly for those who have close contact with someone or are around them for a long period of time.
• It can also be spread through contact with objects or fabrics (e.g., clothing, bedding, towels) that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
The health department recommends:
• Ask sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with monkeypox.
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other monkeypox-related symptoms.
• Contact a healthcare provider following exposure or symptoms, and check with your local county health department about vaccine eligibility.
• New Yorkers who receive the JYNNEOS vaccine should receive both doses, given four weeks apart, and stay vigilant until fully vaccinated, two weeks following the second dose.
• If you or your healthcare provider suspect you may have monkeypox, isolate at home. If you can, stay in a separate area from other family members and pets.The announcement builds on the New York State Department of Health's ongoing response efforts on monkeypox, including efforts to secure more vaccines, expand testing capacity, and distribute the latest information and resources to New Yorkers. Earlier this month, NYSDOH launched a new SMS-text notification effort by texting "MONKEYPOX" to 81336. By providing a zip code, New Yorkers can also opt-in for location-based messages.
For more information about monkeypox, including case counts by county, treatment, and care, visit health.ny.gov/monkeypox.

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