Everything You Need To Know About The Monkeypox Outbreak In Georgia
The monkeypox virus is "spreading rapidly in Georgia" so here's everything you need to know
Monkeypox, a type of Orthopoxvirus, is currently on the rise in Atlanta and across the state of Georgia. Georgia saw its first case of Monkeypox back in early June, and since then the spread of virus has been declared a global health emergency by WHO (the World Health Organization), as well as a public health emergency on national, and local levels.
These official declarations allow health officials to acknowledge the severity of the virus, so better infrastructure is put in place for vaccines, support, as well as enforcing measures to help prevent the virus from spreading further.
Due to supply limitations, the Georgia Department of Health is “currently following recommendations from the CDC and prioritizing the monkeypox vaccine for people at high risk of infection.”
Georgia currently has 544 confirmed cases, with the virus “spreading rapidly” across the state. This makes Georgia’s number of cases the sixth highest within the United States.
If you have a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms contact your healthcare provider, wear a mask, and remind them that this virus is circulating in the area. https://t.co/rh1SD6bsal pic.twitter.com/3YS795fa9G
— GaDeptPublicHealth (@GaDPH) August 2, 2022
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. However, it can be painful and will last from two to four weeks.
Who can get monkeypox?
Anyone can get or spread monkeypox. Though as of now the virus is mostly spreading in communities of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), it is important to remember that anyone is susceptible.
How is monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox spreads from person to person in several ways. These include:
- direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
- respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
- touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
- pregnant mothers can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
What symptoms should I look out for?
Typical symptoms include a rash or sores that can resemble pimples or blisters. They can occur all over your body, or be concentrated on certain parts like the face, hands or feet. They are very itchy and painful, and can also be accompanied by flu symptoms like sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache and tiredness. They normally begin within two weeks of exposure to the virus.
What do I need to do if I’m experiencing symptoms?
If you begin to show symptoms of monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider to be tested. Urgent care centers and health clinics also may be able to test for monkeypox.
Testing for monkeypox involves swabbing a lesion and sending the sample to a lab for testing. Tests are not yet available for patients who do not have lesions, but do have other symptoms of monkeypox.
Monkeypox testing and vaccination are available throughout Georgia. Contact the Public Health District Office in your area for more information about scheduling an appointment or vaccination events.
How do I get a vaccine for monkeypox?
There are two vaccines available for prevention of monkeypox: JYNNEOS (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) and ACAM2000. Both vaccines are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). JYNNEOS is a two-vaccine series with 28 days between doses.
Because the confirmed cases of monkeypox in Georgia were identified in the metro Atlanta area, DPH is prioritizing vaccine distribution in five metro counties: Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Clayton. However, vaccinations are available throughout the state.
Vaccines are currently being prioritized for people who are most as risk, which includes close personal contacts of people with monkeypox, individuals who may have been exposed to monkeypox, and people who have increased risk of exposure to monkeypox.
Can I do anything to help prevent getting it?
According to the CDC, here are some monkeypox prevention measure you can take:
- 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
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox
- Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used (sharing eating utensils or cups, handling bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox)
- Practice safe sex (see the full list of ways to do so here), and avoid having sex if you or your partner has a new unexplained rash or has been feeling sick.
- Limiting your number of sex partners may reduce the possibility of exposure. (Having multiple or anonymous sex partners may increase your chances of exposure to monkeypox.)
- To lower your chances of getting monkeypox, consider how much skin-to-skin contact will occur at the event you plan to attend. Lower risk activities include festivals, events & concerts where attendees are fully clothed and unlikely to share skin-to-skin contact
Where can I find more information?
You can find more detailed info and communication about monkeypox on Georgia Dept. of Public Health’s webiste, the Georgia State website, and the CDC.