PA Among Nation's Leaders In Monkeypox: Where The Outbreak Stands

PENNSYLVANIA — Monkeypox continues to spread around Pennsylvania, as the statewide total has shot up significantly in recent weeks to 61, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control.

The monkeypox outbreak, which began emerging around the world in May, differs from COVID-19 in several ways: It's not a new disease. It hasn't been nearly as deadly. And the outbreak began with vaccines already in existence. But with limited public-health mobilization in the United States to make tests, treatment and vaccines widely available, the nation risks letting the virus spread during a key window for early mitigation.

The monkeypox outbreak has grown to 1,972 confirmed cases in the United States, according to the CDC. The disease is often characterized by painful, itchy legions and poxes and can cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes.

Pennsylvania's case total has remained small compared to its neighbors to the north — New York City has 618 confirmed cases as of Monday — but it continues to accelerate. State officials reported Pennsylvania's first probable monkeypox case June 2, and the total reached 4 cases by the end of June.

Officials in Philadelphia urged residents not to panic, and noted that the threat is "extremely low."

“Monkeypox is much less contagious than COVID-19 and is containable particularly when prompt care is sought for symptoms," the city's Communicable Disease Program Manager Dana Perella said. "Vaccine to prevent or lessen the severity of illness is available through the CDC for high-risk contacts of persons infected with monkeypox, as is antiviral treatment for patients with monkeypox. I believe that residents and visitors should feel safe to do all the fun things Philadelphia has to offer, with the proper precautions."

Getting tested for monkeypox does remain a lengthy process that often requires approval from health professionals at several levels.

The World Health Organization's expert monkeypox committee declined last month to deem the disease a global-health emergency for the time being. But with cases continuing to increase, the committee will reconvene Thursday to reconsider whether it meets the criteria for emergency designation.

The disease is considered endemic in West and Central Africa, but the current outbreak was first discovered in a cluster of cases in the United Kingdom. Most of the outbreak's confirmed cases with travel history involve travel to Europe and North America, according to the WHO.

How does monkeypox spread?

The virus most often spreads through direct contact with a rash or sore of someone who has monkeypox, according to the New York City Department of Health. It can also spread through contact with bedding, clothing and other items a person with monkeypox has used.

Transmission can happen during sex and other intimate activities because of close contact, but it's not known whether monkeypox can spread through saliva, semen or vaginal fluids, according to New York City health officials.

What are the symptoms?

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.

The WHO has tallied three deaths from the current outbreak.

What should you do if you might have monkeypox?

The New Jersey Department of Health recommends taking the following steps:

• If you think you might have monkeypox, seek medical care immediately.
• Call ahead before you arrive at a doctor's office, urgent-care center or hospital, so they can be ready to isolate you from others.
• Wear a mask to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.
• Monkeypox rashes that occur in the genital or anal area may look like herpes or syphilis. So be sure to tell you health care provider if you were in contact with someone who had/has monkeypox.

Patients with confirmed or suspected monkeypox should isolate themselves from others. Those who don't need hospitalization but remain potentially infectious should isolate at home, the CDC says. Decisions to end quarantines should come after consultation with local and state health departments.

People with monkeypox should continue isolating until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed, according to the CDC.

The United States has no mandatory quarantine for monkeypox, but several nations have instituted them. Belgium became the first, introducing a mandatory 21-day quarantine for monkeypox patients in late May.