Q&A: Hawaii is investigating a probable monkeypox case. Here’s what you need to know

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state Division of Well being is investigating a possible case of monkeypox on Oahu amid a nationwide outbreak, prompting questions on how the virus is transmitted ― and whether or not persons are in danger.

Right here’s a rundown of the well being officers say:

What’s monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a uncommon illness that leads to flu-like signs and pores and skin lesions after extended closed contact with an uncovered affected person. It is part of the orthopoxvirus household, which incorporates viruses equivalent to smallpox and cowpox.

In response to the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, the primary human case of monkeypox was greater than half a decade in the past in Africa. It has since unfold to different areas of the world, together with the USA, by means of journey or by contaminated animals.

Regardless of the latest outbreak, Hawaii well being officers stated Friday that the chance to most of the people stays low.

“Monkeypox doesn’t unfold simply from individual to individual,” stated Dr. Sarah Kemble, Hawaii’s state epidemiologist.

What’s the timeline of signs for monkeypox?

Joe Elm, the epidemiological specialist from the state Division of Well being, stated that the timeline for every case depends upon the person. In a digital press convention with Kemble on Friday, Elm gave a tough define of what to anticipate.

Starting levels:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache
• Physique aches
• Fever

Later levels:

• Rashes on fingers, toes, chest, face or genitals
• Lesions or sores

The sickness can final from two to 4 weeks, in line with the CDC.

If you happen to develop rashes or lesions and are involved you could have monkeypox, Kemble recommends footage on the CDC web site for a comparability.

How is monkeypox transmitted?

Not like COVID-19, monkeypox doesn’t journey various toes, in line with Kemble. She stated that extended shut contact is normally required. She additionally talked about that saliva and open pores and skin lesions may switch the illness to others. She recommends healthcare employees and contaminated sufferers put on a face masks as a precaution.

Kemble stated it’s uncommon for the illness to be transferred to people after contact with the virus on surfaces, however there was at the very least one case transmitted from mattress linens.

Is there a monkeypox vaccine?

There’s at the moment no remedy for monkeypox. Nevertheless, the smallpox vaccine eases signs.

Kemble stated the DOH is at the moment engaged on transport the vaccine to the islands.

What do I do if I get these signs?

Contact your well being care supplier and the Division of Well being straight away in the event you expertise monkeypox signs.

How can monkeypox be prevented?

The CDC recommends:

• Keep away from contact with supplies which were touching somebody or one thing with monkeypox
• Wash your fingers frequently
• Use private protecting tools, equivalent to face masks, when round sufferers

What number of circumstances are there in the USA?

There are 24 confirmed circumstances within the U.S., in line with the CDC.

California and New York at the moment have 5 confirmed circumstances, the best case depend within the nation.

Why are we seeing monkeypox circumstances now?

Regardless of the latest spike, the CDC has been monitoring monkeypox within the U.S. for nearly twenty years.

In response to the CDC, a cargo of animals from Ghana to Texas in 2003 represented the primary identified publicity of the illness within the U.S.

The CDC stated that the 2003 outbreak was attributable to direct contact with contaminated pet prairie canines, and never with person-to-person contact.

On the time, well being officers labored collectively to ban the importation of African rodents into the U.S.

Because the latest outbreak within the U.S. is usually by means of person-to-person contact, Kemble is urging residents to make use of warning and stay vigilant given circumstances on the mainland and the summer time journey season.

For extra info on the present circumstances of monkeypox within the U.S., click on right here.

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