With monkeypox cases exceeding 300 in the United States, the first case has been confirmed in Pittsburgh.
A patient whose primary care physician is Central Outreach Wellness Center received testing for monkeypox, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed the monkeypox positive result yesterday.
Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person to person through:
- 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 people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.
“If you are in public amongst people who could bump into you, or you are at a party dancing, wear long-sleeve shirts and pants,” said Alexander Young, Director of Marketing for Central Outreach Wellness Center.
Antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat monkeypox virus infections. The antiviral tecovirimat (TPOXX), used to treat smallpox, is effective against monkeypox cases. The vaccine JYNNEOS, a vaccine used to prevent smallpox, is 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile has released the treatment and vaccine for monkeypox to gay men’s health centers across the U.S. The vaccine will now be available to people with confirmed and presumed monkeypox exposure.
Central Outreach North Shore has access to the treatment and vaccine for monkeypox for anyone who has contracted the virus or had exposure to the virus.
Visit Central Outreach North Shore at 127 Anderson Street, Suite 101, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 or call 855-5-WE-CARE for more information.