The amount of monkeypox cases in Washington state has been increasing according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On Aug. 1, Washington’s case count was only 123, but now has risen to 328 on Monday, Aug. 22. Washington state Department of Health numbers are slightly higher, at 381. King and Pierce counties have the highest number of cases.
Washington’s monkeypox cases have been steadily increasing throughout August.
The CDC updated the monkeypox case numbers nationwide, finding that New York had the most cases with 2,910 followed by California with 2,663.
The United States had a total of 15,433 monkeypox cases as of Aug. 22.
Monkeypox typically only lasts two to four weeks and as severe cases can occur, the case fatality rate is between 3-6%, according to the World Health Organization.
Symptoms of monkeypox
According to the CDC, signs and symptoms of monkeypox include:
- Rashes and scabs located on an infected person’s hands, feet, genitals, chest, face or mouth.
- Fever.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Chills.
- Exhaustion.
- Headache.
- Muscle aches.
- Respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat, cough or nasal congestion.
How does monkeypox spread?
A person with monkeypox can give it to others from the time their symptoms start until their rash and skin are fully healed.
“At this time, data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up the majority of cases in the current monkeypox outbreak. However, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk,” the CDC’s website states.
Monkeypox can be spread to anyone through intimate contact and skin-to-skin contact, according to the CDC.
Not only does monkeypox spread through direct contact with someone who has monkeypox, but the CDC warns it can also spread through other ways, such as:
- Touching objects, surfaces or fabrics that have been used or touched by someone with monkeypox.
- A pregnant woman can spread monkeypox to her unborn baby through the placenta.
- An infected animal can spread monkeypox to a human from a scratch or bite, or by preparing or eating meat or other products from an infected animal.
Monkeypox prevention
Limiting contact with infected persons is the most effective way to reduce the spread of monkeypox, according to the World Health Organization.
Monkeypox can be prevented in multiple ways, according to the CDC:
- Use an EPA-registered disinfectant to clean surfaces, fabrics and other objects.
- If you are infected with monkeypox, self-isolate from others and disinfect areas and objects regularly.
- The CDC recommends those who have been exposed or are more likely to get monkeypox get vaccinated against monkeypox.
- Those with monkeypox should avoid contact with both animals and people.
- If your pet shows symptoms of monkeypox contact your veterinarian.
