Two more monkeypox cases detected in Erie County; free testing and vaccine available
Two more cases of monkeypox have been found in Erie County, increasing the total to three during this worldwide outbreak.
Erie County Department of Health officials said Monday that the cases were reported last week. No other details were immediately available.
The latest news comes as the county's response to the monkeypox outbreak has evolved, as both free vaccine and testing are now available — though there are restrictions.
Monkeypox vaccine continues to be limited primarily to those who have been in close contact with others diagnosed with the viral illness.
Testing is also available but can be done only on people with lesions, said Dalen Michael, director of the Central Outreach Wellness Center, 3104 State St., which offers free vaccine and free testing. The Erie County Department of Health, 606 W. Second St., also offers free vaccine.
"You must have lesions because we have to swab (the discharge) for the test," Michael said. "We've seen people who want the test and we can't do it because they don't have lesions."
More than 10,400 monkeypox cases had been found in the United States as of Wednesday, the highest number of any country in the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Only three cases of the viral illness have been confirmed in Erie County, well below the 147 cases in Philadelphia County and 38 cases in Allegheny County. But Michael said he expects to see more cases as the disease spreads.
"It hasn't really hit here yet," Michael said. "But I think it will. It's a concern for every city."
More: Monkeypox arrives in Erie, public health threat less because spread is slower
Monkeypox spreads through prolonged and close skin-to-skin contact, which can include hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as through the sharing of bedding, towels and clothing. Most cases involve men who have sex with other men, but others have been diagnosed as well.
The primary symptom of monkeypox is a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus, according to CDC. A person can also develop flu-like symptoms like a fever, headache and chills.
The mortality rate for monkeypox is 1% to 3%, according to the CDC.
More monkeypox vaccine is headed to Erie County, as both the county health department and Central Outreach Wellness Center expect additional doses by next week.
The Food and Drug Administration also issued an emergency use authorization for the Jynneos smallpox vaccine that allows shots to be administered in a way that allows five doses to be obtained from a current single dose.
More: FDA allows new delivery of monkeypox vaccine to make more doses available
"We would love to see this result in an expansion of who can get vaccinated, but we aren't there yet," said Charlotte Berringer, R.N., director of community health services for the county health department.
Not vaccinating high-risk people who haven't yet been exposed to someone with monkeypox frustrates Michael, who said vaccinating more people will prevent future cases.
"I would love to be able to vaccinate everyone who I feel is at risk," Michael said.
If you feel that you have been exposed to someone with monkeypox and need information, you can talk with a county health department nurse at 814-451-6700, option 2. To schedule testing or a vaccination at the Central Outreach Wellness Center, call 814-619-4009.
Monkeypox testing can also be ordered by many local primary care physicians, though the cost depends on a person's health insurance coverage.
Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNBruce.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Free monkeypox testing and vaccine available in Erie, with restrictions
