The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a four-page plan Thursday on how to address the recent monkeypox outbreak.
The state is urging anyone who has had close contact with anyone who has monkeypox or any unexplained blisters to get tested with a health care provider.
The virus is spread among people through skin-to-skin contact, infected saliva, respiratory droplets, and fluid from wounds.
The state is urging people to get tested if they show symptoms of monkeypox. The NCDHHS stated that test samples must be collected by a health care professional, and they must follow a specific procedure in order to collect a good sample for testing. The NCDHHS recommends that providers test any patient with a suspicious lesion or lesion.
Symptoms of monkeypox include:
- fever
- Headache
- muscle aches and back pain
- swollen lymph nodes
- chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash that can look like a pustule or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body such as the arms, legs, chest, genitals, or anus.
The NCDHHS states that most people with monkeypox infection get better on their own. Treatment is available and may be recommended for people at high risk of serious disease.
Vaccines are available for those exposed to monkeypox. Gay or bisexual men or transgender individuals who have had multiple sexual partners or had anonymous sex in the past 14 days are also eligible for the vaccine. While supplies are limited, NCDHHS said more are coming. A vaccine should be given within 14 days of exposure.
In May, health leaders reported the first monkeypox outbreak in the United Kingdom. Months later, it has reached North Carolina, including Wake and Durham Counties.