The Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) said there is currently an Mpox outbreak in the county; here’s what you need to know.
- Nine cases have been reported: six in the county and three by the Cleveland Department of Public Health.
- The age of patients ranges from 17 to 44 years.
- Mpox looks like a lesion and/or rash on the body.
- Diagnostic tests and the Jynneos Mpox vaccine are available from local medical providers as well as CCBH clinics: Parma: 5550 Venture Drive and Warrensville Heights: 4200 Warrensville Center Road, Suite 344.
- The public can call 216-201-2041 or email ccbhnurse@ccbh.net to connect with one of their nurses and schedule an appointment.
- More information can be found at www.ccbh.net
RELATED: Mpox cases almost doubled in early 2024 compared to the same period last year
In 2022, the United States was hit by a global outbreak of Mpox. This viral disease, formerly known as monkeypox, belongs to the same family as smallpox. This first appears as a rash that looks like a pimple or blister.
“It can be on the hands, feet, chest, face, genitals… all kinds of places and it can be very painful or itchy,” said Joyous Van Meter, disease and preparedness manager. emergency situations from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. .
“People basically stopped getting vaccinated in 2022 because they found that the risk became much lower after that,” Van Meter said. “And it’s entirely likely that people are no longer avoiding close contact because it’s two years later.”
Symptoms may be flu-like, including fever, chills, and body aches.
Van Meter said those most at risk include those who have had multiple sexual partners (especially in the past six months), who have ever been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, and who have had anonymous or commercial sex .
The medical community emphasizes that the Jynneos vaccine can prevent Mpox and that proper diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of spread.
Mpox is spread primarily by skin-to-skin contact but, in some cases, through respiratory secretions such as coughing or sneezing.
Van Meter said a person is contagious until all the scabs on the skin have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed, which can take weeks. Infected people should be isolated while they are contagious.
The Central Outreach Wellness Center in Cleveland Heights is a sexual health clinic that works primarily with the LGBTQ-plus community.
“We have had one case (of Mpox) so far. He was diagnosed about three weeks ago,” said Sabina Hossain, lead clinician and nurse practitioner at the center. “And we’re hoping that’s the only case we’ll have, but they’re also prepared for an uptick. “We vaccinate and educate our patients daily here…so we’re just trying to increase the number of vaccines.”
The center held special vaccination clinics during the 2022 Mpox outbreak and recorded high participation.
“Some patients waited six to eight hours,” Hossain said.
Hossain added that with the arrival of summer and more public events where skin-to-skin contact occurs more frequently, the center expects to see more cases of Mpox, but hopes its efforts will help keep the numbers low.
“Anyone can be at risk and creating stigma only hinders care,” Hossain said.
The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland has also hosted Mpox-focused vaccination training sessions and events.
On Thursday, he said leaders are currently in talks with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to meet and disseminate additional information and messaging about the local Mpox outbreak.
News Source : www.news5cleveland.com
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