Submitted by San Juan County.

The Washington State Department of Health launched a hotline to provide information and answer questions on the Monkeypox virus (MPV) in response to the growing number of cases in the state. All Washingtonians can now call 1-833-829-HELP to discuss MPV risk factors, vaccine information, testing, and treatment options. Please note that call takers will not be able to schedule vaccine appointments. Calls will be taken from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and observed state holidays. Language assistance is available in 240 languages.

MPV is not exclusive to any community. It is spread through close contact with a person with an infectious rash, through touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been used by someone with MPV; or contact with respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact with someone who has MPV.

The risk of contracting MPV in San Juan County (SJC) is very low currently. SJC does have a limited supply of MPV vaccine for those who are eligible. If you have been exposed to someone with MPV, contact your health care provider or call to speak with a public health nurse at 360-378-4474 to discuss whether you are eligible for vaccination.

If you have an unexplained rash, please take the following steps:

Cover the rash;

Avoid skin-to-skin contact with others; and

See your health care provider to determine what testing and treatment may be available to you.

For the more information about MPV you can go to the Washington State Department of Health MPV information page.

More information:

https://www.sanjuanco.com/1909/Communicable-Disease-Surveillance

https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/monkeypox