Monkeypox

2022 U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak

Anyone can get monkeypox, but many of the cases identified in the current outbreak have been in men who have sex with men. The virus enters the body through broken skin, or mucus membranes such as the eyes, nose, mouth or genitals. The virus does not spread exclusively through any one gender, sexual, or social network.

The disease is accompanied by a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often with an earlier flu-like illness. The rash starts flat then becomes bumpy and fluid-filled before scabbing over and resolving. This happens over a period of 2-4 weeks. Rashes may be all over the body, including the palms, feet, and head, or located only on specific body parts such as the genitals or around the buttocks. 

Transmission 

Monkeypox is transmitted person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact, having contact with an infectious rash, through body fluids or through respiratory secretions. Such contact often occurs during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex.

Visit the NC DHHS website for What You Need To Know about Monkeypox and Quick Facts.

Prevention Steps

Take the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.

Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.

Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.

Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.

• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as bedding or other materials they have touched.

If you are sick with monkeypox:

• Isolate at home
• If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible.

Testing 

If you have a new or unexplained rash, see your healthcare provider or the Health Department, and avoid having close or intimate contact with anyone until you have been checked out. 

You can schedule an appointment with the Health Department by calling 910-433-3600, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm (follow the prompts). Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time

Vaccines and Eligibility

Vaccines are available in limited supply, at no cost, and are currently only being offered to individuals with known or suspected exposure to monkeypox. This includes people who have been in close physical contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox and men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals, who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days in either a venue where monkeypox was present or in an area where the virus is spreading. 

Cumberland County has received a limited supply of the Jynneos vaccine. Vaccines are available in limited supply, at no cost, for individuals with known or suspected exposure to monkeypox. Individuals may call 910-433-3600 to request a confidential vaccination appointment if they meet one of the following eligibility criteria.

• Anyone who had close contact in the past two weeks with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox; or
• Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals, who are sexually active; or 
• People who have had sexual contact with gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals in the past 90 days; or
• People living with HIV, or taking medication to prevent HIV (PrEP), or who were diagnosed with syphilis in the past 90 days.
• People who have had any of the following in the past 6 months:
  • Sex at a commercial sex venue
  • Sex in association with a large public event
• Sexual partners of people with the above risks
• People who anticipate experiencing the above risks

Information for the public about vaccine eligibility and access is available here. 

The Jynneos vaccines is free, regardless of insurance status. If you have health insurance, we will bill your health insurance, only with your consent. Individuals will not receive a bill for the vaccine. 

North Carolina law requires individuals that are under the age of 18 receiving a vaccine under an Emergency Use Authorization to have written consent from a legal parent or guardian. 

For more information about the vaccine to prevent monkeypox infection visit the CDC website. 

How many cases are in Cumberland County?

There are currently identified cases of Monkeypox in Cumberland County. For an updated case count and demographics of Monkeypox cases in North Carolina visit the NC DHHS website. For updated case counts across the United States, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Community Resources 

• Cumberland County Monkeypox Informational Update 8/11

Slide deck  
Recording https://bit.ly/3c3oDe6

• Postcards 
  

Healthcare providers interested in testing and vaccinations 

• Provider Memo
• Providers interested in offering the monkeypox vaccine should start here:
  Monkeypox Vaccine Enrollment and Capacity Survey 
• Requesting Vaccines and Therapeutics 
• Vaccine Toolkit 
• Webinar (07/28/22) - Monkeypox Update for Providers