(Douglas County, NE) -- The number of monkey pox cases in Douglas County continues to increase.
On Friday, the Douglas County Health Department announced that they have now confirmed 17 cases of monkey pox in the county. That is seven more from this time two weeks ago. DCHD says the cases have occurred among men and women who are from 29 to 60 years old. The health department says additional details on these individuals are not being released to protect their privacy.
DCHD says people who are at high-risk of contracting monkey pox may be a candidate for the JYNNEOS vaccine. That includes those who have been exposed to monkey pox and people with a history of STIs who meet partners through digital applications. The health department says due to the extremely limited supply of vaccine, doses will be provided base d on a Health Department assessment of risk. Patience is being asked for as DCHD is working to get more vaccines.
Anyone having several minutes of skin-to-skin contact with an infected person can get monkey pox, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Current data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up majority of cases in the current outbreak. If you have traveled to an area with ongoing monkey pox transmission and notice a rash typical of the disease, you should seek medical evaluation.
The health department says if you have the characteristic monkey pox rash that looks like pimples or blisters, contact your doctor and inform them of your symptoms before visiting a healthcare facility. Monkey pox is spread through direct contact with an infected person’s rash, scabs, body fluids, or respiratory secretions during prolonged intimate contact, including kissing or cuddling. Some people have been infected by handling clothing or linens used by a person with monkey pox. The incubation period generally is one to two weeks but can range from five days to three weeks.
More than 40,000 cases of monkey pox have been reported worldwide and more than 14,000 cases have been reported in the United States and its territories. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov) or call the Douglas County Health Department Information Line at (402) 444-3400.