The monkeypox count in the United States has continued to rise. Missouri just got its second case of the viral disease, according to reporst and the state's health officials confirmed it.
Missouri Confirms Second Monkeypox Case
Missouri health officials confirmed the second case of monkeypox in the state. Both patients lived in the Kansas City area and traveled out of the state recently, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The identities of both patients were kept private.
Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, St. Louis City health director, said that a person could acquire monkeypox through prolonged face-to-face contact. He added that the respiratory secretions during close contact, including intimate physical contact, led to the virus' transmission.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added that the monkeypox threat in the country is low. The agency continuously tracked monkeypox cases and urged healthcare providers to monitor patients with rash illnesses.
Monkeypox Treatment Update
CDC said there were no specific treatments for the virus infection. Yet, they can use antiviral drugs and vaccines for smallpox as both viruses have similar genetic makeup.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that Tecovirimat (TPOXX) is an ideal treatment for people with weakened immune systems. The US FDA approved the usage of the antiviral agent, along with Health Canada and European Medicines Agency.
On Tuesday, the US health officials announced that the government would provide more vaccines as its aggressive action against the virus. In addition, the government extended its effort in advising people to get vaccinated, especially those who had sexual contact in places with identified virus cases.
Jynneos is the two-dose vaccine approved in the US.
ALSO READ: Monkeypox DNA Found in Semen of Some Patients Strongly Favors Sexual Transmission Hypothesis, Study Says
Monkeypox Case Counts In and Outside the US
As of Tuesday, there were 306 identified cases in the US listed in 27 states. Fortunately, there were no recorded deaths in the US.
From Jan. 1 to 22, WHO recorded 50 countries and territories with 3,413 cases. Based on the report, most cases came from the European Region, including France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The organization recorded one death in Nigeria in the second quarter of this year.
Although the cases continue to increase, Davis said that a pandemic is not possible to happen soon. He added that there are a lot of criteria to consider before they label the case pandemic. Also, the World Health Organization is working on the situation.
He advised the public to avoid physical contact with people who had the virus.
"If you know someone who has monkeypox, you got to stay away from them and isolate yourself from them. Avoid contact with any material, such as bedding with someone who has been in contact," Davis said.
Doctors advise talking to a healthcare provider when a person suspects a virus infection. The first symptoms of the virus include high temperature, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen glands, chills, and exhaustion. A rash that starts from the face down to the body is expected to appear between one to five days after the first symptoms. WHO considered monkeypox a self-limited disease. The symptoms last from two to four weeks.
WHO advises people to wash hands and cook meats thoroughly to help prevent the virus.
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