MONTGOMERY-The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) continues to respond to additional cases of monkeypox in the state and follow guidance from the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) in this national public health emergency. As of August 8, ADPH reports 19 cases in Alabama. More cases are expected as testing increases.
ADPH investigates each case to provide education regarding isolation and potential treatment, as well as identify contacts who might benefit from vaccine. Not all cases of monkeypox require treatment, but cases do need to isolate and follow infection control to reduce transmission of the virus to other people. Direct contacts of cases may benefit from vaccine given within 4 to 14 days of contact.
Alabama has received 1,271 doses of Jynneos vaccine and expects to receive about 4,600 additional doses. More vaccine will be made available, but ADPH does not have allocation numbers, at this time.
Due to limited vaccine, CDC has provided information for those persons at greatest risk to contract monkeypox virus. The general public does not need to take Jynneos vaccine unless they are contacts to cases or have other risk factors. Postexposure vaccine will be made available to those who have been exposed to a person with monkeypox within the previous 14 days or to those who are at higher risk of being exposed.
County health departments in Alabama will have vaccine for those determined to need vaccine. ADPH is identifying additional healthcare providers to administer vaccine to persons at highest risk.
Anyone can be infected with monkeypox. In this outbreak, male-to-male sexual contact has been a risk factor. Monkeypox is usually transmitted through close, intimate, skin-to-skin contact or through broken skin, respiratory droplets or mucous membranes. The CDC lists the following ways monkeypox is spread:
· Direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs or body fluids
· Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex
· Touching objects, fabrics (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the rash or body fluids of someone with monkeypox
· Being scratched or bitten by an infected animal
Monkeypox causes a rash that starts as flat spots, which then becomes raised, develop into vesicles, and finally appear pustular. In this outbreak, some people have only had rash, but other symptoms, such as fever, chills, enlarged lymph nodes, muscle aches and headaches can occur with the rash. Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take two to four weeks. Individuals with any symptoms of monkeypox should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Persons being tested for monkeypox should follow isolation guidelines until diagnosed. Individuals who are identified as contacts to monkeypox cases should monitor themselves for signs and symptoms of disease.
ADPH regularly updates its Monkeypox page with the latest information at https://www.
Media Release/ Karen Landers, M.D./Alabama Department of Public Health
