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In Oregon, health officials are recommending information sharing, diagnosis, vaccination and treatment, including three of the first known monkey diseases in Lane County, in response to a national outbreak.
At least seven cases of monkey virus have been reported in Oregon.
Lane County Public Health spokesman Jason Davis said the case of Third Lane County was confirmed by the state laboratory on Thursday and the county is awaiting confirmation from the federal laboratory for all cases. Four other state issues are pending at the government laboratory.
More searchingLane County identifies two monkey diseases; Nearly 400 cases were reported nationally
“This is not just a global problem, it’s a national problem or an Oregon problem. This is a lane county problem. It’s circulating in our community,” Davis said. “Maybe there’s more to it than we know.”
The Oregon Health Authority said other cases were reported in Malta and Washington.
No deaths have been reported, but the disease can be severe, which can lead to rashes, infections or sepsis.
Two vaccines The US Food and Drug Administration is licensed to prevent monkey pox. OHA said Oregon’s supply is limited but that it has received assignments from federal reserves and may increase.
Health officials are advising people to think about their risk factors, including close behavior, to reduce the risk of infection.
Below is some information on current affairs in Oregon, as well as tips and advice on how to prevent symptoms.
What is monkey disease?
Infections are caused by the human monkey virus, also known as hMPXV.
The monkey virus was first discovered in In 1958, it was in the colonies of research monkeys; American Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The first human case was recorded in 1970.
A.D. Before the outbreak outside Africa in 2022, almost all of them were linked to international travel through affected countries or imported animals, the CDC reported.
The current epidemic of monkey pox – a West African species – is rarely fatal, says CDC. However, the CDC reports that people with a weakened immune system, children under the age of eight, people with a history of eczema and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may become seriously ill or die.
Symptoms include severe pain and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, fatigue and rash-like rashes on any part of the body that can cause permanent scarring.
According to the CDC, the illness usually lasts two to four weeks.
How does it spread?
The virus can be transmitted by direct contact with an infected rash, skin or body fluids. The virus is transmitted through prolonged, face-to-face contact, or close physical contact such as kissing or sex.
Monkey pox is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. Anyone in close contact with the infection can catch it.
“Pregnant people can transmit the virus to the fetus through plasma,” the CDC reported.
According to the CDC, contact with objects such as clothing or linen that have previously been infected with a contagious rash or body fluids is another common form of monkey pox.
Humans can also become infected from infected animals by scratching or biting or eating meat or using products from infected animals.
People with no symptoms of monkeypox cannot transmit the virus to others.
Globally, nationally and in Oregon, hMPXV was initially associated with travel to countries where HMPXV cases were reported, according to the release. However, in recent times, there has been no travel history.
Davis said the first known case in Lane County had no recent travel history. According to Davis, more environmental issues have been reported in the past, but the nature of any epidemic is still being investigated.
“So we believe we have a great idea for this individual’s social network and we believe we have a little stronger connection with the people we meet. We hope we can identify the individual somewhere in the mix. This person has found hMPXV,” Davis said. “The nature of the connection is still closed.”
According to Davis, there could be an outbreak of the disease, which could lead to the arrest of public health officials. However, he said there may be other, unknown issues affecting various social circles or spreading in other ways.
“There are a lot of unknown things for us,” Davis said.
Who is affected?
The OHA estimates that seven of the seven cases of monkey disease in Oregon are currently among males.
Dr. Tim Menza, Senior Health Advisor to the OHHAXXVV Response, said the agency’s focus is expanding to areas where HMPXVV is most vulnerable. The agency is sharing information with the medical community, including guidance on case definitions, testing procedures, and instructions on how health care providers can identify symptoms.
“While anyone can be infected with hMPXV, the current global hMPXV epidemic has had a significant impact on homosexuals, sex and other men who have sex with men,” Menza said in a news release.
“I am not saying that only men who have sex with men are at risk for hMPXV, but now our priority is to encourage men who have sex with men and the largest LGBTQIA + and the Qero community and health care. Information, testing, prevention and treatment Strategies providers.
Communication includes a community letter from OHA, the Maltoma County Public Health Infectious Disease Team, and local providers at the event, which began last week in Oregon. The OHA team is working with community-based organizations to develop a culture of awareness and protection. OHA is providing regular updates and information on social media platforms.
At least there are. Nationwide, 700 monkeys have been diagnosed with the diseaseAccording to the CDC website, “Preliminary data indicate that homosexual, bisexual, and other homosexual acts are more common.
How can I avoid infection?
CDC recommends the following steps to prevent monkeypox.
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with monkey rash.
- Do not touch the rash or itching of an infected person.
- Do not kiss, hug, hug or have sex with someone who has monkey pox.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups.
- Do not touch or touch a sick person’s bed, towel or clothing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with sick people.
The virus can spread from the onset of symptoms until the wounds and scales are healed with a new layer of skin.
He advised those planning to attend a Menza festival, concert, party, or other event to be aware of the virus.
“We can think about the dangers of a spectrum,” Menza said in the release. “For example, events such as sports events or concerts are safer compared to clubs and parties where people are more likely to wear full-length and skin-to-skin contact, where people wear less clothes and often have more skin – for skin contact or saunas, bathrooms. Or places with sex clubs, from little to no clothes and often not having sex.
Menza added that those who are concerned about sex should meet with their spouses.
Menza: “Tell them you have a recent pain or rash, especially around the vagina or anus, and invite them to do the same. “If you or your spouse have recently become ill, are currently ill, or have new rashes, avoid close, personal and skin-to-skin contact and contact your healthcare provider.”
A person with monkey disease should be isolated at home. People with active rash or other symptoms should be in a separate room or area from other family members and pets as much as possible, according to the CDC.
Can I get the vaccine?
CDC does not recommend widespread distribution. Monkey vaccine At this point, according to the website. However, the vaccine may be recommended for people who are in close contact with a monkey, who are exposed to the virus, or who are at high risk for laboratory tests.
There is currently a limited supply of one vaccine Jynneos in the United States, although more is expected in the coming weeks and months, CDC said. The other ACM 2000 is adequate but should not be used by people with certain health conditions, including immunity and skin conditions.
People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after Jynneos was vaccinated for the second time and four weeks after receiving ACAM2000, according to the CDC. Vaccinated people should continue to be careful.
To prevent monkeypox, people can be vaccinated against monkey pox.
According to a CDC report, the effectiveness of these vaccines is still unknown in the current epidemic.
More searchingOregon monkey vaccines are spreading as they explode across the US.
OHA is now authorizing health care providers to send previously required monkey disease tests to the State Public Health Laboratory without prior authorization or to a private laboratory testing laboratory.
Health care providers have one to three days in the private laboratory to get test results. Other private laboratories are expected to begin testing in the coming weeks.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that about 296,000 Jynneos doses will be delivered in the next few weeks. Oregon received about 200 shots, Menza said.
The state has set those standards for people who are already at risk for monkey disease.
OHA distributed at least 26 doses to local public health officials. At least eight vaccines have been administered.
Lan County has received a total of 10 so far, Davis said. Two of these doses are used for patients as pre-exposure prophylaxis and three for prophylaxis after exposure, Davis said.
The vaccine gives two doses under the skin every four weeks and can be given within 14 days of exposure to hMPXV infection, according to the OHA.
Menza said she hopes to expand the supply of vaccines to those who are more susceptible to the virus.
When multiple vaccines are available, our goal is to provide a high-risk vaccine for hMPXV, which is for people who have had sex with men who have had more than one sexual partner in the past, including transgender men and transgender women. Two weeks, ”Menza said on his release.
According to the Salem Stateman, Tracy Lowe contributed to this story.
Contact journalist Adam Duvernaine at aduvernay@registerguard.com. Follow him on Twitter @DuvernayOR.