First case of monkeypox identified in Oregon

(JUNE 24, 2022) State health officials recently identified the first case of monkeypox in Oregon. Oregon Health Authority said the patient is a man who was probably infected from traveling to a community that already had monkeypox cases. The man remains isolated. He is following recommendations from public health officials and medical providers.

Monkeypox is a nickname for the hMPXV virus. It is related to smallpox, but not the same. It's called "monkeypox" because it was first seen in monkeys. hMPXV is the human version. The World Health Organization says the virus will soon get a new name to avoid confusion. The virus usually infects animals. It is common in Central and West Africa, especially among rodents and other small animals.

Monkeypox does not spread easily, but people around the world are watching it carefully. There are two types of monkeypox. The common type causes milder symptoms. Most people get better at home without any special treatment. In the United States so far, there have been 84 cases in 18 states. No one has died.

“The risk to other people is generally very low,” says Dr. Richard Leman. He is a doctor with the state. “Unlike COVID-19, which can be spread easily from person to person through the air over several feet of space, [monkeypox] spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs or body fluids. Less commonly, it can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact.” That means that most cases come from skin-to-skin contact.

Oregon Health Authority says that symptoms of hMPXV often include fever, headache, and muscle aches. In one to three days there is a rash, often on the face, spreading to arms and legs. The rash starts with flat patches. Then they form large, firm bumps. Later, these bumps fill with fluid or pus. Scabs fall off usually over two to four weeks.

There is a vaccine specifically for hMPXV and smallpox called Jynneos. It could be used to protect people with high-risk exposure to someone ill with hMPXV. There is another vaccine, ACAM2000, that is approved to prevent smallpox. It could be used in special situations. However, ACAM2000 also has side effects. These vaccines will work even after someone was exposed to monkeypox. However, OHA says that members of the public who have not been exposed do not need this vaccine.