Florida Has One Of The Most Monkeypox Cases In The US & It's Not Far Behind California
A child in Florida is confirmed to have the infection now.
The newest viral outbreak, monkeypox, has spread across the U.S., and, according to the CDC, there are thousands of reported cases out there. The top three states include New York, California and Florida.
All the reported numbers are not far behind the next, either. New York has the most at 2,620. California has 1,945. Florida comes in a close third with 1,268. This data was last updated on August 16 at 2 p.m.
According to The Florida Department of Health, there is now one confirmed case in a child under four years old in Martin County. The report was also refreshed on August 16.
Broward County and Miami-Dade counties are the southern areas with the highest count in those confirmed.
It was discovered in 1958 amongst monkeys, but the first human case was known in 1970 and was mainly only said to be in African countries, until recently.
Signs and symptoms include a rash that can be found on genitals, hands, feet, face chest or mouth. Florida DOH says they can be confused with Sexually Transmitted Infections, though one does not rule the other.
The disease typically lasts 2-4 weeks and you must refrain from contact with anyone near you if infected. Antivirals are recommended, but there is currently no known treatment, as per the CDC's website.
The Florida DOH reports that the smallpox vaccine, JYNNEOS, can be a preventive measure if started within the first 14 days of exposure.
It will be offered to those who have known contact identified by public health through "case investigation, contact tracing, and risk exposure assessments."
Lab workers who test for the disease are also eligible, as well as "those who identify as gay or bisexual men, or other men who have sex with men (cisgender or transgender)."
The vaccine is by appointment only and you need to fill out a questionnaire to request one.