Credit: PA Internet News Service
Although Bucks County has yet to have any confirmed monkeypox cases, the Bucks County Health Department has released a fact sheet to inform residents.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox viral infection that is related to smallpox. It has spread throughout the globe in a recent outbreak, but it has been on the radar of authorities for decades.
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“Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a statement.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health said there are 95 monkeypox cases in Pennsylvania. In the region, the first one was reported in Philadelphia in early June.
Below is information put out by the Bucks County Health Department:
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Monkeypox spreads in different ways:
• It can spread from person-to-person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids.
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• It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact.
• During intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.
• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids.
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Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.
The virus can be spread to the fetus during pregnancy.
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HOW TO PREVENT
• Avoid touching the skin or scabs of a person who has monkeypox or monkeypox-like rash.
• Avoid intimate physical contact or sex with a person who has monkeypox or monkeypox-like rash.
• Do not share utensils or drinks with a person who has monkeypox or monkeypox-like rash.
• Do not handle bedding or clothing of a person who has monkeypox or monkeypox-like rash.
• Wash your hands often.
The vaccine is only available as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
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CAN I GET MONKEYPOX FROM HAVING SEX?
Even though it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, monkeypox can spread during intimate physical contact between people.
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HOW TO PREVENT WHEN SEXUALLY ACTIVE
Reduce risk of exposure by avoiding intimate physical contact including:
• Oral, anal, and vaginal sex, or touching the genitals or anus of a person with monkeypox
• Hugging, massaging, kissing, or talking closely
• Touching fabrics, shared surfaces, and objects, such as bedding, towels, and sex toys, that were used by a person with monkeypox (not disinfected).
Having multiple or anonymous partners may increase your risk of exposure. You can decrease your risk of exposure by reducing the number of partners.
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If you feel have been exposed to monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider.
For more information, visit: www.CDC.gov/monkeypox.
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