Virginia Department of Health reports first monkeypox death in the state
RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Health announced Thursday the first death of a person diagnosed with monkeypox, now known as “mpox,” in Virginia, according to a press release.
To protect patient confidentiality and family privacy, VDH will not be releasing any additional information about the death. The patient was an adult resident of the Eastern Health Region of Virginia, VDH said.
“Our thoughts are with the decedent’s family at this difficult time,” said State Health Commissioner Colin Greene. “Mpox is a serious disease, especially for those with weakened immune systems. If you have been exposed to mpox or have symptoms consistent with the disease, we urge you to seek medical consultation now.”
People should contact their healthcare provider if they have fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a new, unexplained rash, the release said. People who are diagnosed with mpox should stay home and avoid close contact with others until the rash has fully resolved, the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
For most people, infection with mpox is painful but not life threatening, VDH said.
Monkeypox is a preventable disease that spreads from person to person through close contact. The health department provided a list of things everyone can do to help prevent the spread:
Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with someone with a new, unexplained rash.
Do not share cups, utensils, bedding or towels with someone who is sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after contact with infected people or animals.
Wear a mask in situations where you may have lengthy or close face-to-face contact with people who may be infected.
For those eligible, consider discussing the JYNNEOS vaccine with your healthcare provider.
People who may have been exposed to monkeypox should receive the vaccine as soon as possible to reduce the chance of developing monkeypox after exposure, VDH said. The vaccine is most effective if administered within four days of exposure, but it may be administered up to 14 days after exposure.
Contact your local health department to see if you are eligible for vaccination and to find out where it is available. Healthcare providers with patients at high risk of severe illness should work with their local health department to facilitate administration of the JYNNEOS vaccine and options for treatment of monkeypox. For more information, healthcare providers can access the Healthcare Providers website.
Virginia Department of Health has the latest information available to the public at its mpox website.
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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Monkeypox first adult death reported in Virginia
