HJAR Nov/Dec 2022

38 NOV / DEC 2022 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS ADH CORNER DIALOGUE COLUMN ADH CORNER As of Sept. 30, 2022, there have been at least 61 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Arkansas since the first case in the state was announced in July. This outbreak is part of a worldwide outbreak. It highlights the need for easy access to healthcare so that anyone who develops symptoms gets tested and, if needed, starts treatment. MONKEYPOX is an acute, contagious viral infection that causes headache, fever, muscle or backaches, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and a painful rash that forms scabs. The in- fection can be severe in people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other immunocompromising conditions. It is spread primarily through close per- son-to-person contact. This includes skin- to-skin contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox. It is also spread by touching objects, fabrics, and awareness of the disease is important. There are several actions people can take to lower their risk of getting monkeypox. They can: • Limit the number of sex partners and practice safe sex. Learn more at healthyar.info/MPX. • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that looks like monkeypox. • Check themselves for signs of a rash and ask about recent rashes and illnesses on their partners. surfaces of items used by someone with monkeypox. Monkeypox may also be spread through contact with respiratory secretions but is not spread by coughing or sneezing like COVID-19 or the flu. Anyone can get mon- keypox, but right now, most cases are among men who have sex with men. Anyone who develops a fever, rash, or other symptoms of monkeypox should get tested for monkeypox through their healthcare provider or at an ADH Local Health Unit. To prevent the spread of monkeypox, MONKE YPOX UPDATE