FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) —
of World Health Organization declared monkeypox a public health emergency, July 23. With more than 4,000 cases in the US, planes and caregivers they need to know the dangers and how to stay safe.
Monkeypox is spread primarily from person to person through prolonged close contact with an infectious rash, scabies, or body fluids, as well as through respiratory droplets or oral fluids. Additionally, spread can also occur through the handling of objects such as bedding or clothing belonging to a person with a known infection.
Vaccine and treatment
of Food and Drug Administration has approved a vaccine for monkeypox, however it is in limited supply in the US Department of Defense is working with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that all service members, domestic and overseas, have a vaccine within 24 to 48 hours.
Members who have questions, concerns or want to know the eligibility of their vaccinations should contact their member military treatment facility. Patients receiving care outside the MTF should contact their local provider.
The present one instruction who can be vaccinated prioritizes those who are a known contact identified through public health contact tracing, as well as those who have had sexual contact in the past 14 days with an individual who was infected or had multiple sexual partners in the last 14 days in an area with known cases of monkeypox. Additionally, those whose work may expose them to monkeypox, such as laboratory workers handling monkeypox specimens are advised to receive the vaccine.
“If you believe you fall into one of these categories, then you should contact your provider quickly to be evaluated and confirm the need for the vaccine,” said Lt. Col. David Sayers, chief of Preventive Medicine. Air Force Medical Readiness Agency.
Airmen and caregivers should seek immediate medical attention if they believe they have come into close contact with someone with a known infection or have a suspected infection themselves.
“Please do not wait to seek medical attention if you believe you are infected or have a close contact,” Sayers said. “While the current outbreak has been seen primarily in men, anyone can be at risk of infection. Children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people are more at risk of serious complications if infected.”
Isolation is recommended for the duration of the illness if an individual is confirmed to have monkeypox. Treatment is primarily supportive care to treat pain, redness, fever, and body aches, especially for young, healthy individuals. Currently, there are no specific medications licensed for the treatment of monkeypox.
Symptoms
The most prominent symptom of monkeypox is a skin rash that classically begins on the face and spreads to the extremities. In the current outbreak, the rash has been found to spread mainly to the genital area in some people. Symptoms also include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.
The time from infection to the appearance of symptoms is usually seven to 14 days, but can range from five to 21 days in total.
“Redness goes through stages where it appears as a pimple and evolves into a pimple. Then that pustule breaks open and peels before it heals,” Sayers said.
For more information and resources about monkeypox, visit the Air Force Medical Service YOUR.
