Monkeypox

Clinical Advisory - August 17, 2022


Important update regarding monkeypox vaccination with JYNNEOS in Massachusetts. On August 9, 2022, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) released an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allowing an alternative lower dose intradermal vaccination regimen in people 18 years and over and allowing the use of the JYNNEOS vaccine in individuals younger than 18 years. 


Providers administering JYNNEOS vaccine will begin utilizing this alternative dose vaccination regimen beginning August 18, 2022. 


Please visit CLINICAL ADVISORY for details.

THE LATEST UPDATES ON MONKEYPOX

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In August of 2022, the United States declared its monkeypox outbreak a national public health emergency. While monkeypox has shown to be less contagious than other viruses such as COVID-19 and has not led to any deaths in the country, residents are asked to take its risk seriously.

The Town of Shrewsbury along with the Central MA Regional Public Health Alliance (CMRPHA) is prioritizing treatment and prevention efforts for populations currently at most risk, with a particular focus on individuals with multiple sexual partners; those in repeated close contact with others, including sports teams; and those living in close quarters, such as in group housing and dorms. The Alliance is seeking to expand its access to vaccines, and residents will be notified as its capacity increases.

This page includes up-to-date information and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) about how monkeypox spreads, precautions to take and how to seek treatment.

WHAT IS MONKEYPOX?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which can make people sick. Symptoms may include a rash, resembling pimples or blisters, often preceded by flu-like illness. Overall illness typically lasts 2 - 4 weeks. While some people experience mild symptoms, others may experience severe pain.

HOW IT SPREADS

Monkeypox can be spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact including:

  • Direct contact with rash, blisters or scabs.
  • Contact with surfaces and objects - such as clothing, bedding or towels - that have been used by an individual with monkeypox.
  • Prolonged contact with bodily fluids, such as through kissing.

Monkeypox can be easily passed between sexual partners due to close skin contact, and any person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can acquire and spread it.

A person with monkeypox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of monkeypox infection typically appear within 3 weeks of exposure and can include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes
  • Exhaustion
  • Muscle Aches and Backache
  • Headache
  • Respiratory Symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion or cough)

Rash blisters appear 1 - 4 days later and can be located on or near the genitals or anus, as well as other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth. They can itch and be painful to the touch. The blisters will go through several stages before scabbing, falling off and healing.

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PREVENTION

The CDC recommends the following steps to protect yourself from getting monkeypox:

  1. Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
  2. Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.
  3. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

The CDC also recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who may be more likely to get monkeypox, which includes:

  • People who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with monkeypox.
  • People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox.
  • People who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known monkeypox.
  • People whose jobs may expose them to orthopoxviruses.


Currently, high-risk individuals may contact AIDS Project Worcester at 508-755-3773 x113 to schedule a vaccine appointment. However, due to severely limited supply, availability is currently low.

Additional details on vaccine eligibility and other locations in Massachusetts offering appointments can be found on the MDPH Website

TREATMENT

Any resident who suspects they have been infected should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible and to avoid skin-to-skin contact with others until being examined. They should also alert anyone they may have been in close physical contact with about potential exposure. Anyone with monkeypox is urged to follow the CDC's Isolation Guidelines

While there is no current treatment specifically for monkeyox, antiviral drugs such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES