Monkeypox is a relatively dangerous disease. And the spread of it is no different. Specifically in the capital of the United States. Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke about this during the news conference from the virus on Monday. Within the past two months, about 122 cases of the monkeypox virus have been reported. In particular, there’s about one case per 6,500 residents, according to health officials. It’s a higher case rate than in California, Florida, Illinois and New York. It’s especially a higher case than in California where there’s about one case per 148,000 residents, as according to health officials.
Mayor Bowser stated that “We are specifically working with reaching out to members of the LGBTQ+ community, specifically gay and bisexual men, because those are the communities most affected by the virus at this moment. Anyone can contract monkeypox, and this is important that we do not create stigma at this time and that we encourage individuals to be on the lookout for symptoms.”
This is all very unfortunate for individuals who are relatively predisposed to have the flu-like symptoms.
All of which can be followed by a rash. Unfortunately, there’s no real treatment that can specifically treat the monkeypox. Yet, doctors are excited to use medicine for the smallpox in order to help clear the rashes that come right after. “Anyone can contract monkeypox, and this is important that we do not create stigma at this time and that we encourage individuals to be on the lookout for symptoms.” This much is known by Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, a director of DC Health. “We’ve been able to get that out to individuals who are diagnosed and they’ve been doing rather well with the treatment. We have seen overwhelming interest in the vaccine. We’re working very quickly to get those doses out to our public.”
What can be done about the monkeypox outbreak in DC?
Currently, the District residents who have been in close range with any cases of monkeypox are immediately able to access vaccines. Additionally, men and transgender women having had sex with men and sex workers are also likely to quickly receive the vaccines much quicker than individuals who aren’t so immediately around that environment. DC officials are certain that all any any residents are allowed to pre-register for the vaccine. In which case, they will have priority once eligibility opens to a wider range of citizens later on down the line.
What is this vaccine, you may ask? It’s known as the Jynneos vaccine and it requires a two-dose regimen for full vaccination. It happens to be most readily available by appointment at two designated DC vaccination sites. Additionally, the city is stating that the antiviral Tpoxx will be distributed to local health centers in order to treat the monkeypox illness.
