Monkeypox Preparation Underway In Somerset County As Global Emergency Declared

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County Department of Health (SCDOH) is teaming up with state and federal health officials in preparation for the Monkeypox outbreak that the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency this past weekend.

The declaration was made after the outbreak spread to more than 75 different countries. In New Jersey, there were 81 cases in the Garden State as of Monday. Read More: Monkeypox Declared Global Emergency: What It Means For NJ

"While the current odds of being infected with monkeypox here in Somerset County is very low, we know that being prepared ahead of time is vital to responding and minimizing risk should it arrive," said Somerset County Commissioner Doug Singleterry, liaison to the SCDOH. "The working relationships we have built with state and federal public health agencies over the past few years as we responded to the COVID outbreak, are vital to being ready to respond to any public health emergency."

As part of the preparation, the SCDOH is closely tracking the monkeypox outbreak with healthcare providers and local health departments to identify cases and close contacts within the county and administer the vaccine to eligible residents. County residents with known exposure to a person with monkeypox are asked to contact their healthcare provider or their local health department.

Monkeypox virus can spread in different ways but is primarily spread through close contact with someone already infected with monkeypox. It can also be spread through touching items such as clothing or linens used by someone with monkeypox, and pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta. It is also possible to catch the virus through a bite or scratch from an infected animal, according to SCDOH.

Symptoms generally start one to two weeks after exposure but in some cases may not appear for up to 21 days. The most common symptoms are rashes and sores that look like blisters or pimples. The rash and sores can be painful and typically last two to four weeks.

Some people also get flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, tiredness and swollen lymph nodes. People who think they may have been exposed to monkeypox or who have symptoms should speak with a health care provider, the New Jersey Department of Health says.

Currently, there is no specific treatment approved for monkeypox virus infections. However, antivirals developed for use in patients with smallpox may prove beneficial. Individuals who were previously vaccinated against smallpox, may have protection against monkeypox.

The SCDOH offered a number of measures a person can take to prevent an infection with the virus:

• Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, clothing, or towels of a person with monkeypox.
• Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If you develop a new, unexplained skin rash, call your doctor immediately and avoid contact with others.

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