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The Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed a fourth monkeypox case this morning bringing the state’s total to four confirmed cases.
Mississippi’s first case of monkeypox was reported July 25. MSDH officials could not specify when the state’s second case of monkeypox was confirmed, but the third case was confirmed on Tuesday, Aug. 2, followed by the fourth case on Wednesday, Aug. 3.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported nationwide monkeypox cases were at 6,326 on Wednesday, Aug. 3.
Liz Sharlot, director of communications for the MSDH, said in a July 27 press conference that the MSDH is monitoring the spread of monkeypox to ensure the safety of the state’s residents.
With the new school year starting and four confirmed cases in Mississippi, local experts have gathered information and helpful tips to combat the spread of the monkeypox virus and posted those on the MSDH website.
Dr. Paul Byers, a state epidemiologist, said in the July 27 press conference that it is likely that more cases of monkeypox will arise.
“Monkeypox is a viral infection that is transmitted through direct person-to-person contact and bodily fluids as well as respiratory transmission,” Byers stated. “The virus can also be transmitted through contact with items such as towels, linens, hugging, kissing, multiple sex partners and touching surfaces from someone who is infected. The incubation period is one to two weeks, which usually starts with muscle aches, fevers and pimples on several parts of the body.
“Symptoms usually last two to four weeks,” Byers said. “The best way to prevent the spread of monkeypox is to avoid direct contact. Regardless of your gender or sexual orientation, anyone can get monkeypox. We are currently working on a vaccine to help those who are exposed to the virus, but we have limited doses.
“Also we recommend going to your local doctor if you have been exposed to the virus to collect test samples that will be sent to MSDH lab for testing.”
In addition, to help prevent being exposed, below are some tips on what to do if you have a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms, according to the CDC.
Tips to protect yourself from monkeypox:
- Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked out by a healthcare provider.
- If you don’t have a provider or health insurance, visit a public health clinic near you.
- When you see a healthcare provider, wear a mask, and remind them that this virus is circulating in the area.
- Avoid large and small gatherings, especially if they involve close, personal, skin-to-skin contact.
- Think about the people with whom you have had close, personal, or sexual contact during the last 21 days, including people you met through dating apps. To help stop the spread, you might be asked to share this information if you have received a monkeypox diagnosis.
For more information and updates on monkeypox visit www.cdc.gov or call the Mississippi State Department of Health at 601-576-7400.
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