Yakima Health Officials Give Monkeypox Update Wednesday

Like other health officials around the state Yakima Health District officials are concerned about the spread of monkeypox in the state of Washington. In fact district officials are hosting a Facebook live event Wednesday at 6:00 pm to give an update on local monkeypox cases. The event starts at 6:00pm followed by a Spanish update at 7:00 pm. They say the reason for the update is to give more information about monkeypox, how it spreads and the symptoms. Here's the link to the event https://newstalkkit.com/monkeypox-update-wednesday-by-yakima-health-district-facebook-live/

At last check only a handful of cases have been found in Yakima

So far Yakima Health District officials have confirmed five cases of Monkeypox in Yakima County. The first case in the county was reported late last month.
More cases are expected in the near future say health officials.
The virus is rare and has been seen in the past mainly in Africa. But it's now in the Pacific Northwest.

The spread of the virus is through direct contact

A press release says the virus often spreads by contact with infected individuals.
More specifically the virus spreads through;
Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or bodily fluids. Health officials say " the monkeypox cases observed have been in men under age of 30 who were exposed to monkeypox by close intimate contact. However, sex is just one of the ways that monkeypox can be spread. Monkeypox can also be spread through contact with virus-contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothing, or through respiratory droplets during direct and prolonged face-to-face contact."

The monkeypox vaccine is in short supply

The Yakima Health District has received a very limited amount of the monkeypox vaccine. At this time, only close contacts are eligible for the monkeypox vaccine. .”-Nathan Johnson, Local Emergency Response Coordinator with the Yakima Health District says if you experience any symptoms of monkeypox or develop a rash, contact your healthcare provider.

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