Health officials identify sixth case of monkeypox in Mississippi 

The Mississippi State Division of Well being has now recognized six circumstances of monkeypox throughout the state.

The monkeypox virus has unfold to dozens of nations and contaminated 1000’s worldwide because the outbreak started in Might. Since Mississippi reported its first case on July 25, the variety of nationwide circumstances has greater than doubled. As of Aug. 5, there have been 7,510 monkeypox circumstances within the U.S., in line with Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) information. 

The monkeypox virus, which is a part of the identical household of viruses as smallpox, has not induced any deaths however does produce painful signs. Practically all infections outdoors Africa have occurred amongst males who’ve intercourse with males. 

Transmission usually happens by way of shut skin-to-skin contact with an contaminated particular person. Airborne transmission additionally happens throughout extended shut contact with an contaminated particular person.

“No matter your gender, no matter your sexual orientation, anyone can get monkeypox,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers mentioned. 

Mississippi’s preliminary allotment of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine included sufficient doses to inoculate 300 individuals. Because of the restricted provide, the vaccine is barely out there to direct contacts of contaminated individuals. Byers mentioned that the division is making vaccines out there to individuals who have had a number of sexual companions. 

Nonetheless, well being division officers are uncertain what number of extra doses the state will obtain by way of the remainder of 2022.

“We have now so few doses proper now that it’s very laborious for us to broaden our vaccination efforts past making an attempt to ensure that we vaccinate these identified contacts,” Byers mentioned. 

The Biden administration declared the monkeypox outbreak a nationwide well being emergency on Aug. 4. Along with rising public consciousness of the virus, the declaration frees up federal funding for the additional creation and vetting of medical remedies. 

The World Well being Group declared monkeypox a worldwide public well being emergency on July 23, the primary time it has taken this step because the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. monkeypox, COVID-19 and polio are the one ailments which have this designation.

Signs of monkeypox can embody: fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. Contaminated individuals usually expertise a rash that appears like pimples or blisters that seem on many elements of the physique. The sickness usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.