DPH Announces #MyReasonWhyDE Youth Campaign

Dover, DE (Sept. 20, 2022) The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing their youth-led #MyReasonWhyDE campaign. #MyReasonWhyDE asks Delaware youth to make short Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos that promote the positive aspects of their lives that keep them happy, healthy, and drug-free, engaged citizens. Using the collective campaign ad model, like the “Got Milk?” ads, #MyReasonWhyDE is featuring the youth in our community as influencers providing a diverse set of “reasons” to choose not to use drugs.

The #MyReasonWhy campaign is part of DPH’s long-term strategy to work with partner organizations in the community and state, such as school systems, to promote resiliency and positive messaging. Youth who are interested in creating a PSA video should visit MyReasonWhyDE.com.

Through federal Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funding, DPH teamed up with The Cause to facilitate a series of four workshops throughout the state to create the summer PSA series to educate youth on Substance Use Disorder (SUD). At the upcoming #MyReasonWhyDE celebration event, DPH will be announcing the PSAs that have met the challenge of communicating information and resources about SUD, as well as highlight the reason why youth have chosen to be drug-free and live positive lives. This event will be held on Sept. 22 at the Bellevue Theater in Wilmington’s Bellevue Community Center, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the live show beginning at 6:00 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend. To register to attend in person, go to https://forms.gle/BZ7sS8TG3bDrngTK9 and to register to attend virtually, go to https://causetheworld.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkcu2vrzgoHdcamHl3Q8a6kcXKKX9qjTXF. 

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH, 2018-2019), approximately 4% of all people aged 12 and older used an illicit drug (not including marijuana) in the past month in Delaware. Broken down by age, 2.44% of Delaware youth between ages 12 to 17, 6.67% of adults ages 18 to 25, and 3.79% of adults aged 26 and older reported using an illicit drug such as cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, or methamphetamine, or misusing prescription psychotherapeutics in the past month.

The 2020 Delaware School Survey (DSS) indicates that 2% of 8th grade students reported use of an illicit drug (other than marijuana) in the past month and 5% within the past year. One in ten students reported misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medication (including pain medication) within the previous year. Yet less than half (46%) of 8th graders reported perceiving a great risk in misusing prescription medication.

It is important to educate our youth and provide alternative choices to drugs. DPH is continuing to look for partners to help grow this message. If interested, contact Katie Capelli at katie.capelli@delaware.gov.

# # # 

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction in Delaware, call DHSS’ 24/7 Crisis Hotline to be connected to treatment and recovery options.  In New Castle County, call 1-800-652-2929.  Or in Kent and Sussex counties, call 1-800-345-6785.  For free 24/7 counseling, coaching, and support, as well as links to mental health, addiction, and crisis services call the Delaware Hope Line at 833-9-HOPEDE.  To search online for treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states, visit HelpIsHereDE.com.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.


COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Decline In Last Month; DPH Shares Information On Bivalent Boosters

DOVER, DE (September 16, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is pleased to share declines in hospitalizations, test positivity rates and the 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases continued for the second month in a row.  Deaths also remain low. However, COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, and at higher levels in some counties. Additionally, while hospitalizations overall are down, in recent weeks they have increased in the 0-4 months age range and the 18-34 years age range.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels data tracker, which was last updated on September 15, COVID-19 community levels in Kent and Sussex counties are considered medium, while levels in New Castle County are listed as low.

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC have authorized the new bivalent boosters from Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna, which target two strains of COVID 19: the original strain of the virus, and two of the Omicron variants (BA.4 and BA.5), currently, the most widespread variants in the world.  The updated bivalent boosters are available to all individuals 12 years of age and older who have received their primary series of vaccination at least two months before (a minimum of two doses of Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax and one dose of Johnson and Johnson).  Individuals who have recently had COVID-19 are still encouraged to get a booster to optimize their protection but should consider waiting three months after they have recovered.

Changes in the virus necessitated new, updated boosters to improve protection. To reduce confusion among the public and vaccine providers, and because they do not offer the increased levels of protection provided by the bivalent boosters, the original booster formula is no longer authorized for use in those 12 and older.  Medical providers may no longer administer them to anyone older than 12.

By authorizing the vaccines in September rather than waiting until later this fall, the CDC estimates the prevention of over 137,000 hospitalizations and 9,200 deaths in the first two months alone. To further support the effectiveness of vaccines and boosters in reducing serious illness, a study of the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that during the original Omicron surge earlier this year, unvaccinated individuals were 10.5 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who were vaccinated and boosted.

 

Pfizer-BioNTech boosters are authorized for ages 12 and older, while Moderna is authorized for 18 years of age and older.  Regardless of which brand of vaccine you previously received, you can get any bivalent booster for which you are eligible.  As of this time, only the monovalent boosters targeting the original strain are available for children 5 through 11 years of age.  Parents are encouraged to vaccinate their children now with the primary series and most current boosters when eligible until the bivalent boosters are authorized for this age group. With the rise in hospitalizations among those ages 0 – 4 years old, parents of young children are particularly encouraged to get their children vaccinated.

DPH strongly encourages everyone 12 and older to get their bivalent booster as soon as they are eligible, and well in advance of any possible surge in the late fall or winter. Individuals may also get a booster at the same time as they get their annual flu vaccine, but it is recommended to do so in different arms.  Bivalent boosters are available at DPH clinics, many pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers and some community events.  You can find a list of locations at de.gov/getmyvaccine or at vaccines.gov. More details on the bivalent booster can be found at de.gov/boosters.

The webpage also has a link to a flier for the public which highlights some similarities between the labels of bivalent boosters and some primary series vaccines. Those getting a booster are encouraged to print and take a copy of the flier with them, or pull it up on their phone’s web browser, and ask the vaccine provider to show you the vial that your bivalent booster is being drawn from so you can confirm it is the correct one. It is an important step in being an educated health consumer and advocate for your personal health.

The below data is as reported on Delaware’s My Health Community data portal on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022. 

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations: 

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 305,517*
  • 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 196.1, a decrease of 83.3 average new positive cases reported since Aug 18, 2022 
  • 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 12.5 percentage points, a decrease of 5.9 percentage points reported since Aug 18, 2022 
  • Hospitalizations: 121 current hospitalizations; critically ill: 14 
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,080, an increase of 44 since last month (11 regularly reported, and 33 from a review of Vital Statistics between June and August)

*Case and testing data are based on reporting of lab-confirmed COVID-19 tests only. The number of COVID-19 cases in the community is higher than what is reported because of the use of at-home test kits. 

COVID-19 Vaccinations:   

  • Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,893,787
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.1%  
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 79.2%   
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 80.7%
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 70.9% 
  

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For a location near you, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.  

  

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report: 

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of non-boosted cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame of Sept 5 – Sept 11, 2022.  

 Non-boosted: Case – Hospital – Death

Weekly Overview
(09/05/22 – 09/11/22)

Non-boosted Cases

Total Non-boosted Cases

886

Total Cases

1288

Percent of Non-boosted Cases

64%

Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases

Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases

84

Total Hospitalized Cases

136

Percent of Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases

61%

Non-boosted Deaths

Total Non-boosted Deaths

0

Total COVID-19 Deaths

1

Percent of Non-boosted Deaths

0%

 

Note:

Case and Hospitalization Count: based on RTS (Report to State Date)
Death: based on DoD (Date of Death)

 

Long-term Care Statistics:   

As of Thursday, September 15, 2022, there have been a total of 4,573 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 979 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Resources:   

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:   

  • Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.   
  • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 

 Medical-related questions regarding testing, symptoms and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.   

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

###

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.  Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.


DPH Shares Activities As Part Of Falls Prevention Awareness Week

DOVER, DE (Sept. 14, 2022) – Falls can result in broken bones, head injuries, and temporary or permanent disabilities, and the Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention’s Falls Prevention Team says it takes community effort to prevent them.  The Injury Prevention Coalition operates under the Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Office of Emergency Medical Services section.

In recognition of the importance of fall prevention, Governor John Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long proclaimed September 18-24, 2022, as Falls Prevention Awareness Week in keeping with the nationally recognized week.

“We need to look out for all Delawareans, especially our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Governor Carney. “When everyone focuses on how they can prevent falls, we create safer communities.”

“Preventing falls is important not only to keep individuals of all ages safe, but also to reduce the strain on the emergency services and health care system,” said Steve Blessing, Chief of DPH’s Office of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness. “Falls create a ripple effect in the person’s life, the life of their families who may need to arrange for a higher level of care for them, and the EMS and medical system as a whole.”

On Sept. 20, the Falls Prevention Team and the Modern Maturity Center (MMC) will show the movie “Denying Gravity.”  The movie highlights in a relatable, good-humored approach the positive effects of fall prevention activities for seniors.  A small health fair with information on preventing falls precedes the movie.  The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the MMC, located at 1121 Forrest Avenue in Dover, Delaware.  Registration is not required.  Should movie-goers choose to stay for lunch in the Longwood Dining Room, the cost is $6.00 for ages 60 and older and $9.00 for ages up to 59.  Visit www.modern-maturity.org for more information.

Falls occur among persons of all ages, though in the United States young children and seniors are most at risk for suffering fall-related traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries lead to major life changes for the individual and their families.  In the U.S., falls are the leading cause of trauma-related hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older, with one in four in that age group falling every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  According to the Delaware Trauma Registry, 3,229 individuals were injured from falls and seen at a Delaware trauma center in 2021.  Of that total, 1,833 were over the age of 64 and survived the fall while 38 people in that age group died.   

“Head injury and hip fractures are unfortunately common among seniors who fall, and that impacts their mobility long-term,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long who is also a Registered Nurse.  “It is so important for them to improve their balance and strengthen leg muscles, which can weaken from inactivity.”

The Falls Prevention Team asks communities, businesses, schools, organizations, and households to follow this safety advice to prevent falls:

 

·         Adults, especially seniors and individuals using wheelchairs and walkers, can get regular vision and hearing checkups and visit their health care provider to review medications, balance and coordination, muscle strength, and physical activity level.  Adults should eat nutritious foods and beverages, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and get appropriate sleep.

 

·         Wear shoes in good condition without worn soles and heels. Shoes should fit well and not fall off the feet. Individuals at risk of falls should wear shoes and slippers that fit around their feet with no open backs.

 

·         Ensure proper fit of canes and walkers.

 

·         Do not let pets get underfoot. Teach them basic commands like “sit” and “stay.”

 

·         Use motion-activated lights to keep walkways and parking areas well lit.  Use motion-activated night lights inside.  

 

·         Keep homes, yards, and public areas free of clutter.

 

·         Maintain walkways to ensure a smooth surface without crumbling or splintered surfaces.  Prevent slippery conditions by removing snow, ice, rain, wet moss, leaves, oil, and other substances that can cause individuals to fall.

 

·         Ensure that there are curb cuts or other detectable warning surfaces that meet state/local safety codes and the guidelines provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Curb cuts, tactile surface pavers, slopes, contrasting colors, and other universal design elements benefit everyone, especially individuals with disabilities who use walkers and wheelchairs, those pushing strollers, and those who cannot see well or easily lift their feet up onto the curb.

 

·         Install handrails, ramps, and automatic doors and keep them free of hazards.

 

·         Use entrance mats with flat and secured edges that do not curl up.  Absorbent floor mats catch rain and snow at entrances and spilled drinks at food establishments.

To improve coordination and balance, older Delawareans can enroll in A Matter of Balance© classes that are held in communities throughout the state.  For a schedule of A Matter of Balance© classes, call Volunteer Delaware 50+ at 302-515-3020. 

ChristianaCare offers BingoCize, an evidence-based fall prevention program integrating Bingo and exercise, as well as the ThinkFirst to Prevent Falls© program, which can be done either virtually or in person. The ThinkFirst program addresses home modifications, medications, balance, healthy eating, and other strategies to prevent falls.  To schedule these programs and obtain more information, send an email to injuryprevention@christianacare.org.

To learn more about falls and falls prevention, refer to the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) program at https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html and the National Council on Aging at https://www.ncoa.org/.  For falls data, visit the Delaware Trauma System Registry webpage at https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/ems/trauma.html.

View PDF:

Proclamation in Observation of Fall Prevention Awareness Week

# # #

 

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 

 Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


DPH Announces First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Of The Year In Sussex County Man

DOVER, DE (Aug. 31, 2022) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing this year’s first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV), in a 78-year-old Sussex County man. West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause serious health problems.   

In addition to the first human WNV case, there also have been confirmed cases in a horse in New Castle County, and in 19 sentinel chickens in outdoor-caged and humanely tended stations maintained throughout the state by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).  Delawareans should be aware that mosquitoes that cause WNV bite primarily during the evening and morning hours; or dusk and dawn. However, mosquitoes that cause other diseases such as chikungunya, dengue fever, and Zika can bite during the day. It is important to protect yourself by wearing insect repellent whenever you go outdoors. 

WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes, generally in summer and fall, with a peak period for disease transmission from mid-August to mid-October. Nearly 80 percent of people infected with WNV will not become ill. Less than 20 percent of those infected with the virus will develop mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash on the chest or back, and swollen lymph glands. Approximately one in 150 people infected will develop severe infection which may include headache, high fever, stiff neck, tremors or convulsions, muscle weakness, encephalitis or meningitis, all possibly leading to hospitalization and very rarely death. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk to contract WNV from mosquitoes. Anyone who experiences any of these severe symptoms should immediately seek medical assistance.  

To avoid mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection, individuals should: 

  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reapplication times. 
  • If using sunscreen, apply it first and insect repellent second. 
  • Adults taking precaution with children against biting mosquitoes should spray insect repellent onto their hands and then apply it to the child’s face. Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, or on cuts or irritated skin. 
  • Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than two months of age. 
  • When outside during periods of mosquito activity, wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants. 
  • Dress children in clothing that covers arms and legs. 
  • Consider using mosquito netting, which offers protection to the face and neck and also protects infants in carriages, strollers and playpens.
  • Use permethrin (an insecticide) to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents), but do not apply to the skin. 
  • Prevent mosquitoes from entering the house by using screens and tightly sealed windows and doorways.  

DNREC’s Mosquito Control section announced WNV in sentinel chickens for the first time in July 2021. Mosquito-transmitted virus detections in DNREC’s sentinel chickens are unrelated to Delaware’s poultry industry. The possibility of contracting mosquito-transmitted diseases, including WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), will continue until colder autumn temperatures in mid-October or later.  

  • To report suspected cases of human WNV, call the DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 1-888-295-5156. 
  • For more information about mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses, use the following resources: 
    • For mosquito biology/ecology and control, contact the DNREC Mosquito Control section office in Dover at 302-739-9917. 
    • For requests for mosquito relief in upstate areas from Dover north, contact Mosquito Control’s Glasgow field office at 302-836-2555. 
    • For requests for mosquito relief in downstate areas south of Dover, contact Mosquito Control’s Milford field office at 302-422-1512. 
  • Contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health Section for animal health questions at 302-698-4500. 
  • To report suspected cases of human WNV, call the DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology toll-free at 1-888-295-5156. 

For more information on West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/wnv.html.

For more information on what you can do to prevent West Nile Virus, visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention’s website, www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/index.html.

 

###

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.

About DNREC

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on FacebookTwitter or LinkedIn.  

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov


DPH Announces Five New Monkeypox Cases And Expanded Access To Vaccine

DOVER, DE (Aug 15, 2022) ­– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing five additional cases of monkeypox (MPX), bringing the state’s total to 11. All cases are considered probable pending confirmatory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The five most recent cases are all males.  Two, a 23-year-old and a 57-year-old are from Sussex County. The other three, a 28-year-old, a 34-year-old, and a 37-year-old, are from New Castle County. All cases are unrelated to the others.  The 23, 37 and 57-year-olds all reported intimate contact with an individual confirmed to be positive for MPX. The 34-year-old had recent intimate contact with another person, but the person was not known to have MPX. No contact information is known for the 28-year-old. None of the individuals reported travel.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for MPX​. However, antivirals can be prescribed. 

Delaware is also announcing that starting today, Monday, Aug. 15, it will expand access to the vaccine used for MPX to individuals who are living with HIV, as well as those receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV. Individuals living with HIV or receiving HIV PrEP should first contact their medical provider or PrEP treatment center to ask if they are offering the vaccine. If the provider is not, the person may contact the DPH Hotline at 866-408-1899 to schedule an appointment with a DPH clinic. Walk-ins for vaccination will not be accepted. Vaccinations at DPH clinics will continue to be prioritized first for the following individuals at highest risk who have been receiving vaccine thus far based upon DPH evaluation: persons known or presumed to be exposed to someone with MPX in the last 14 days, and certain individuals who have sex with men and who have had multiple sex partners within the past 14 days. As a result, appointments may need to be scheduled a few days out.

As a result of the White House announcement on Tuesday, Aug. 9, allowing states to stretch their vaccine supplies by administering one-fifth of the dose via a different injection method (just under the skin rather than into the muscle), DPH is now able to plan for further expansion of vaccine access. Delays in roll out are due to the need to support training in the alternate administration method, and obtain supplies needed for this method as well. 

Beginning Aug. 22, individuals in the following higher risk categories will have access to the vaccine. More details about where vaccines will be available will be shared later in the week. Access will be expanded to include those engaging in high-risk activities, including sexual practices, that increase exposure to MPX such as:

  • Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and have had multiple (more than one) or any anonymous sexual partners
  • Transgender women or nonbinary persons assigned male at birth who have sex with men
  • Sex workers (of any sexual orientation/gender)
  • Staff (of any sexual orientation/gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, sex clubs)

Individuals should be aware that the vaccine, a two-dose series given 28 days apart, is not considered effective until two weeks after the second dose. Particularly those at higher risk should continue to use preventive measures and reduce engaging in any high-risk behaviors until that time.

While MPX vaccine will be expanding, not everyone needs the vaccine. Unlike with COVID-19, the spread is primarily through direct contact with an infected person and not airborne transmission. Those engaging in behaviors, including intimate contact with multiple partners are at higher risk than the general public.

There are things that each person in the general public can do to protect themselves regardless of their ability to access the vaccine, such as limiting direct contact with anyone with a concerning rash, limiting the number of intimate partners, talking openly with intimate contacts about recent behaviors, and not sharing bedding, towels and eating or drinking utensils with anyone who does.

The vaccine, JYENNOS, used to prevent MPX, is fully FDA approved for use against smallpox. However, if you received a previous smallpox vaccine more than three years ago, it may not provide protection now. During the 2003 outbreak and current outbreaks, people who have been infected with MPX had previously been vaccinated against smallpox decades prior.

Most people with monkeypox do not require hospitalization and may isolate at home. Monkeypox spreads between people through direct contact with an infectious rash, body fluids, or by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact. The transmission of the monkeypox virus is possible from the onset of the first symptoms until the scabs have separated and the skin has fully healed.

As fall sports practices begin, individuals who participate in sports should practice preventive measures whenever possible. This includes laundering uniforms after each game or practice, seeking advice from their primary care provider concerning rashes, sanitizing team spaces when they are not in use, not sharing sweat towels, water bottles, mouth guards or other gear, and refraining from leaving unused personal gear laying around. Organizations should consider separate seating during games from fans for players; players not playing should avoid sharing benches with fans. Isolated seating will reduce close contact with possible rashes from fans to players.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of MPX are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. Most people who contract MPX will develop a rash, and some will develop flu-like symptoms beforehand. The flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they usually will develop a rash one to four days later.

If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms associated with MPX you should immediately:

  • Contact your health care provider and discuss your symptoms and concerns.
  • Self-isolate until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
  • Avoid being intimate with others.
  • Make a list of your close and intimate contacts in the last 21 days.

DPH launched a hotline for individuals with questions or concerns about MPX. The hotline number is 866-408-1899 and is operational Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions may also be emailed to DPHCall@delaware.gov. Both the hotline number and email address share staff with the COVID-19 Call Center. To learn more about MPX prevention programs and resources, visit de.gov/monkeypox.

Upcoming Town Halls

Beebe Healthcare is inviting the public to a virtual town hall for a discussion on Monkeypox virus in Sussex County at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15.  David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, and Bill Chasanov, DO, Beebe’s Chief Population Health Officer, will share updates on Monkeypox as a public health concern. To watch, join Beebe’s Facebook or YouTube page for the live presentation. Recordings will be published for viewing after the town hall ends. Live ASL interpretation will be available on screen.

CAMP Rehoboth Community Center will hold a town hall on Tuesday, Aug. 16, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. addressing the MPX situation in Delaware. This town hall is in partnership with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik will be discussing Delaware’s response to the virus in the CAMP community and will field questions and concerns from community members. The event will be held at CAMP Rehoboth, 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach. Registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/town-hall-addressing-hmpvx-virus-in-our-community-tickets-400799531187

# # #