Monkeypox
On July 23rd, 2022, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global emergency. Also on July 23rd, the CDC reported the first confirmed cases of monkeypox in children.
The following monkeypox updates and information is from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, released July 14, 2022:
The monkeypox outbreak is growing in New York City, and the risk of exposure through sex and other close physical contact is increasing. ANYONE can get and spread monkeypox. The current cases are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, so this community is currently at the greatest risk of exposure. Those with multiple or anonymous sex partners are particularly at risk. Due to limited supply of the JYNNEOSTM vaccine nationally, eligibility during this phase is restricted to those at highest risk of a recent exposure based on national and local cases. Currently, this is gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men and transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary persons ages 18 and older who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days. More appointments will go online when more vaccines are allotted to New York City by the federal government.
New Yorkers can now also sign up for text notifications to receive alerts about monkeypox in NYC, including appointment releases, by texting MONKEYPOX to 692692 or MONKEYPOXESP for alerts in Spanish. Message and data rates may apply.
Transmission:
The monkeypox virus is most often spread through direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus. It can also spread through contact with clothing, bedding, and other items used by a person with monkeypox, or from respiratory droplets that can be passed in prolonged close contact. Transmission can occur during sex or other close physical contact. It is not yet known if monkeypox can spread through saliva, semen or vaginal fluids.
Symptoms:
The most common symptom is a rash or sores that can look like pimples or blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain parts, such as the face, hands, or feet, or around or inside the mouth, genitals or anus. The rash and sores can be quite itchy and painful and cause scarring and other complications. Before or at the same time the rash or sores appear, some people have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and tiredness. In some cases, monkeypox can cause severe illness. A person is contagious until all sores have healed, and a new layer of skin has formed, which can take two to four weeks.
Testing:
If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should see a health care provider for testing; only your healthcare provider can test for monkeypox. If you are in NYC and do not have a provider, call 311 or search the NYC Health Map. You should only get tested for monkeypox if you are experiencing symptoms. Testing involves a provider taking a swab of a sore. Only your provider — not the Health Department — can give you the test result. While you are waiting for your test result, which can take a few days, isolate yourself from others.
Prevention and care:
To reduce the chance of getting or spreading monkeypox, do not engage in sex or other close physical contact (such as touching, massage, or kissing) if you or your partners are sick and especially if you or they have a new or unexpected rash or sores anywhere on the body. Avoid gatherings and direct contact with others if you are unwell or have a rash or sores. Wash your hands, sex toys and bedding before and after sex or other intimate activities. As more New Yorkers are diagnosed with monkeypox, it is crucial to seek care as soon as you notice a rash or sores. People who receive the vaccine should continue to take these precautions to prevent transmission of monkeypox.
Vaccine Eligibility:
Eligibility for monkeypox vaccination may change as the outbreak evolves and based on vaccine supply.
People who meet all of the following conditions can now be vaccinated:
● Gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming/binary
● Age 18 or older
● Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days
Vaccination:
The JYNNEOSTM vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of monkeypox in people ages 18 and older. The Health Department will release over 8,000 additional first dose appointments over the next two weeks, and 4,000 additional doses will be made available through referrals from community partner organizations serving the highest-risk patients. People who receive the vaccine should continue to take precautions to prevent transmission of monkeypox. The vaccine is given as two doses, at least four weeks apart. The following is the NYC vaccination portal:
vax4nyc.nyc.gov/monkeypox