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

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DOVER, DE (Aug 4, 2022) ­– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the state’s fourth, fifth and sixth cases of monkeypox (MPX). All cases are considered probable pending confirmatory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The three most recent cases involve a 42-year-old Kent County man and two New Castle County men, one a 19-year-old, and one a 24-year old, whose cases are unrelated. None of the individuals reported recent travel.  While at least one individual confirmed close intimate contact with another individual, none reported close contact with someone known to have MPX. All three individuals reported close contact with a very limited number of individuals and are self-isolating.

Though U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, declared MPX a national public health emergency today, DPH does not have plans at this time to make a similar request specific to Delaware. Health officials will continue to monitor the situation. Based on the current number of cases, and information available about the disease at this time, the risk to the general public in Delaware appears to be low. However, low risk does not mean no risk; anyone may contract MPX, though certain activities by individuals can increase their chance of contracting the virus. MPX is different from COVID-19 in that it spreads primarily through direct contact with the rash/scabs of someone with MPX. Contact may include intimate contact, kissing, cuddling, sharing kitchen utensils or toothbrushes, and coming into contact with an infected person’s bedding, bath towels or clothing. The rate of serious illness or death attached to MPX nationally is also extremely low. 

Currently, there is no specific treatment for MPX​ however, antivirals can be prescribed. To date, DPH has received a limited supply of vaccine, which is being prioritized for those with direct contact with individuals who have a confirmed case of monkeypox (post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP). More doses are becoming available, and DPH plans to soon implement other strategies, such as offering vaccine for expanded PEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those in high-risk groups. Those who may be eligible for expanded vaccine access include:

• People who are aware that one of their sexual or intimate partners in the past two weeks was diagnosed with MPX
• Someone who has had multiple sex partners in the last 21 days (three weeks)
• Someone who has met partners through dating apps or attended a party, or club where intimate contact occurred
• Those who are HIV positive or are receiving PrEP treatment for HIV without known exposure to MPX

There are many things residents and visitors should do, regardless of eligibility for vaccination, to prevent or reduce the chance of contracting MPX. People should avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like MPX. Individuals who are sexually active can minimize their risk of exposure by limiting the number of partners they have, and talking to their partner about their recent history and behaviors, as well as inquiring about any rashes or other symptoms. As a general preventive behavior, individuals should wash their hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

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]de.gov/monkeypox.

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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.

Delaware 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.

DOVER, DE (21 de Julio de 2022) – La División de Salud Pública de Delaware (DPH) anuncia el segundo y tercer caso del virus de viruela símica en el estado. Ambos casos se consideran probables a la espera de pruebas de confirmación por parte de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC).

Esta semana, DPH recibió los resultados de pruebas que muestran que un hombre del condado de Sussex de 46 años dio positivo para viruela símica. El paciente no reportó ningún viaje y reportó los primeros síntomas el 18 de Julio. La DPH está trabajando en comunicarse con el paciente para informarle sobre las opciones de tratamiento y entrevistarlo para obtener una lista de posibles contactos.

Además, la DPH recibió los resultados de las pruebas para viruela símica. El paciente no informó ningún viaje y los primeros síntomas se informaron el 14 de Julio. Se le aconsejó al paciente que se autoaislara hasta que las lesiones se hayan caído y aparezca nueva piel.

“El riesgo general para el público es bajo y sigue siendo bajo,” dijo el Director Interino de la DPH, el Dr. Rick Hong. “La viruela símica se transmite a través del contacto íntimo cercano con personas que tienen erupciones o síntomas similares a los de la gripe. Urgimos a que las personas se informen sobre esta rara enfermedad, incluyendo sobre la forma en que se propaga, y ayudar a prevenir la exposición. La DPH continuará trabajando con los proveedores médicos para evaluar e identificar a las personas para la prueba viruela símica. Y daremos prioridad a nuestro suministro limitado de vacunas para las personas que han estado expuestas a la viruela símica para la profilaxis posterior a la exposición (PEP).”

A partir del 21 de Julio, la DPH operará una línea directa para personas con inquietudes específicas debido a síntomas o posible exposición. El número de la línea directa es 866-408-1899 y funcionará en el siguiente horario:

• Lunes– Viernes desde las 8:30 a.m. hasta las 4:30 p.m.

Actualmente, no existe un tratamiento específico para la infección por el virus de la viruela símica; sin embargo, se pueden recetar antivirales. La DPH ha recibido un suministro limitado de la vacuna, que debe administrarse en dos dosis con 28 días de diferencia. Aquellos que corren el mayor riesgo de exposición al virus incluyen:

• Personas que han sido identificadas como contacto de alguien con viruela símica
• Personas que saben que una de sus parejas sexuales en las últimas dos semanas fue diagnosticada con viruela símica
• Personas que tuvieron múltiples parejas sexuales en las últimas dos semanas en un área donde se sepa de viruela símica

Hasta la primavera de 2022, los casos de viruela símica eran raros en los Estados Unidos. Hoy, hay más de 2300 casos en todo el país, y Delaware anunció su primer caso el 12 de Julio de 2022, que involucra a un paciente de 41 años del condado de New Castle.

Signos y Síntomas

Los síntomas de la viruela símica son similares, pero más leves que los síntomas de la viruela. Los síntomas generalmente comienzan dentro de las tres semanas posteriores a la exposición al virus. La mayoría de las personas que contraen viruela símica desarrollarán una erupción y algunas desarrollarán síntomas similares a los de la gripe de antemano. Los síntomas similares a los de la gripe pueden incluir fiebre, dolor de cabeza, dolores musculares y de espalda, dolor de garganta, tos, ganglios linfáticos inflamados, escalofríos o agotamiento. Si alguien tiene síntomas similares a los de la gripe, por lo general desarrollará una erupción de uno a cuatro días después.

Si sospecha que está sintiendo algún síntoma asociado con viruela símica, debe:

• Comuníquese con su proveedor de atención médica y discuta sus síntomas y preocupaciones.
• Autoaíslese hasta que todas las lesiones se hayan resuelto, las costras se hayan caído y se haya formado una nueva capa de piel intacta.
• Evite tener intimidad con los demás.
• Haga una lista de tus contactos cercanos e íntimos en los últimos 21 días.

Para prevenir infectarse con viruela símica:

• Evite el contacto cercano de piel con piel con personas que tengan un sarpullido que se parezca al de la viruela símica.
• No toque el brote o costras de una persona con viruela símica.
• No bese, abrace, ni tenga relaciones sexuales con alguien con viruela símica.
• No comparta cubiertos o platos comer con una persona con viruela símica.
• No manipule ni toque juegos de sabana, toallas o prendas de una persona con viruela símica.
• Lávese las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón o use un desinfectante para manos a base de alcohol.

Para aprender más sobre el manejo, programas y recursos de prevención sobre viruela símica, visite: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/epi/emerginginfectiousdiseases.html.

DOVER, DE (July 21, 2022) ­– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the state’s second and third cases of the monkeypox virus (MPX). Both cases are considered probable pending confirmatory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This week, DPH received test results showing that a 46-year-old Sussex County man tested positive for MPX. The patient did not report any travel, and first reported symptoms on July 18. DPH is working to contact the patient to inform them about treatment options and interview them to obtain a list of possible contacts.

Additionally, DPH received test results this week showing that a 25-year-old Kent County man tested positive for MPX. The patient did not report any travel, and first reported symptoms on July 14. The patient has been advised to self-isolate until lesions have fallen off and new skin appears. 

“The overall risk to the public is low and remains low,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “MPX is transmitted through close intimate contact with individuals who have rashes or flu-like symptoms. We urge people to educate themselves about this rare disease, including how it is spread, and to help prevent exposure. DPH will continue to work with medical providers to screen and identify individuals for MPX testing. And we will prioritize our limited supply of vaccine for people who have been exposed to MPX ​for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).”

Beginning July 21, DPH will operate a hotline for individuals with specific concerns because of symptoms or possible exposure. The hotline number is 866-408-1899 and the number will operate with the following hours: 

• Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for the monkeypox virus infection​; however, antivirals, can be prescribed. DPH has received a limited supply of the vaccine, which needs to be given in two doses 28 days apart. Those who are at the highest risk of exposure to the virus include:

• People who have been identified as a contact of someone with MPX
• People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past two weeks was diagnosed with MPX
• People who had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area with known MPX

Until spring 2022, MPX cases were rare in the United States. Today, there are more than 2,300 cases nationwide, with Delaware announcing its first case on July 12, 2022, involving a 41-year-old New Castle County patient.

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.

To prevent infection with MPX:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like MPX.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with MPX.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with MPX.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with MPX.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with MPX.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

To learn more about MPX management and prevention programs and resources, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/epi/emerginginfectiousdiseases.html.

DOVER, DE (JULY 12, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) is announcing the state’s first case of the monkeypox virus (MPX). This week, DPH received test results showing a 41-year-old New Castle County man tested positive for MPX. This positive case is considered probable pending confirmatory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Delaware man did not report any travel or exposure to someone known to have MPX but is believed to have been exposed to the virus after close intimate contact with an individual in early July.

The individual is self-isolating and DPH is working with him to identify any possible close contacts. Currently, DPH is working with the CDC to confirm the course of treatment for this individual.  

“The Delaware Division of Public Health has prepared to respond to MPX cases,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “As we work to confirm our first case in the state, we encourage Delawareans to be aware of being in close intimate contact with individuals who have rashes or flu-like symptoms. We will continue to monitor this situation closely.”

MPX is a rare disease caused through infection with the monkeypox virus. It can make you sick, causing a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often with an earlier flu-like illness. Transmission of MPX occurs when a person encounters the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).

The overall risk of MPX is low, generally caused by close intimate contact. However there are other ways it can spread including:

• direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
• respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
• touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
• pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
• It’s also possible for people to get MPX from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

The incubation period of the illness (time from infection to symptoms) is typically seven to 14 days but can as long as 21 days. The illness itself typically lasts two to four weeks and is rarely fatal. People who do not have symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of MPX are similar to, but milder than, the symptoms of smallpox. Symptoms usually start within 3 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 will usually 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 – mention your 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

Currently, there is no specific treatment for monkeypox virus infection. Instead, smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) can be used.  CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been diagnosed with or exposed to MPX and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to the virus, including:

• People who have been identified as a contact of someone with MPX
• People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with MPX
• People who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known MPX
• People whose jobs may expose them to MPX such as laboratory, and some health care or public health workers

To prevent infection with MPX:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like MPX.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with MPX.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with MPX.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with MPX.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with MPX.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

To learn more about MPX management and prevention programs and resources, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/epi/emerginginfectiousdiseases.html or call DPH’s Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology 24/7 emergency contact number at 888-295-5156.

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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.

Delaware 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.