08/09/2022

ODH Posts Monkeypox FAQ, CDC issues Weekly Key Messages

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) encourages you to share the new ODH Monkeypox FAQ with your patients.  The FAX is posted on their website at https://odh.ohio.gov/media-center/feature-stories/monkeypox-faq-2022. They also ask that you review the this CDC Monkeypox Weekly Key Message with the latest summary of the monkeypox outbreak in the U.S., specifically methods of prevention other than vaccination.

CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox or are at high risk for exposure. Ohio, along with other jurisdictions with lower monkeypox case counts, has been allocated a limited supply of the Jynneos vaccine. ODH is working closely with local health departments to get this limited supply out as quickly as possible to Ohio communities with the highest case counts and highest risk for spread.

The vaccine takes up to six weeks to reach full effectiveness, so other preventive measure are recommended including avoiding close skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash, avoiding contact with items that a person with monkeypox has used, and washing your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Evidence indicates that the virus is spreading mostly through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with someone who has monkeypox. While anyone can catch monkeypox if they have close contact with someone who has monkeypox, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, many of those affected in the current global outbreaks are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, according to CDC.

If you have questions please contact Heidi at the OAASC office at sam@oaasc.net.