DOVER, DE (16 de Diciembre de 2022) – La División de Salud Pública de Delaware (DPH) anunció hoy la primera muerte sospechada a estar relacionada con la influenza en el estado para la temporada de influenza 2022-2023. El paciente era residente del condado de Kent y tenía entre 55 y 64 años y no se informó que estuviera vacunado contra la influenza. Recibir la vacuna anual contra la influenza es importante para todas las personas de 6 meses en adelante para prevenir enfermedades graves, hospitalizaciones y muertes que pueden resultar por el virus de la influenza. La hospitalización y la muerte por la influenza pueden ocurrir en individuos previamente sanos, aunque las personas con condiciones de salud subyacentes tienen un riesgo significativamente mayor a resultados graves. 

“La primera muerte de la temporada relacionada con la influenza nos recuerda lo peligrosa que puede ser la influenza,” dijo el Director Interino de la DPH, el Dr. Rick Hong. “La influenza comenzó a principios de esta temporada y ha estado muy activa. Vacunarse contra la influenza lo antes posible es la mejor manera de reducir la posibilidad de que la enfermedad de la influenza se convierta en complicaciones de la influenza que pongan en peligro la vida. Debido a que los hospitales, las visitas sin cita previa, los centros de atención de urgencia, y los consultorios médicos ya están sobrecargados con visitas de pacientes enfermos, debemos hacer todo lo posible para evitar agregar más estrés al sistema. Vacunarse contra la influenza es una forma muy simple de ayudarse a sí mismo y al sistema de atención médica en general.”

Según el tablero de influenza recientemente lanzado en My Healthy Community (https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/portals/flu/locations/state/seasons/2022-2023/overview), se han registrado un total de 5,609 casos de influenza. reportado hasta la fecha durante la temporada de influenza 2022-2023. La temporada de influenza comenzó el 2 de octubre de 2022. Durante la semana del 4 al 10 de Diciembre, la semana más reciente para la que hay datos de casos disponibles, se informaron 1,125 casos de influenza confirmados por laboratorio. Aunque se han administrado 276,911 dosis de vacuna contra la influenza desde el 2 de octubre hasta el 3 de Diciembre, solo representa el 28,6% de la población.

Las personas mayores de 65 años tienen la tasa de vacunación más alta de cualquier grupo de edad en Delaware con un 63.3% vacunado. Esta población constituye el 41.6% de la población total vacunada del estado. Todos los demás grupos de edad tienen una tasa de vacunación inferior al 30%, y las personas en el grupo demográfico de 18 a 34 años tienen la tasa más baja con un 11.1%. El tablero de datos de influenza se actualiza semanalmente los jueves a nivel estatal y de condado, y mensualmente para otras geografías. Si bien los casos de influenza siguen siendo altos, las hospitalizaciones por influenza siguen siendo relativamente bajas. A partir del 3 de Diciembre, los datos disponibles más recientes sobre hospitalizaciones por influenza, ha habido 47 hospitalizaciones en la temporada hasta la fecha.

La DPH recuerda al público que no es demasiado tarde para vacunarse contra la influenza. Visite flu.delaware.gov y haga clic en el botón Find A Flu Shot Near You en la página web para obtener una lista de los lugares donde puede vacunarse contra la influenza. Como recordatorio, es seguro recibir la vacuna contra la influenza y el refuerzo de COVID-19 el mismo día si es elegible para ambas.

La influenza, el RSV (Rirus sincitial respiratorio) y el COVID-19 son enfermedades respiratorias que pueden tener diversos grados de síntomas, desde ningún síntoma hasta síntomas graves. Debido a que estos virus comparten muchos de los mismos signos y síntomas, a menudo es difícil diferenciarlos. Los síntomas comunes entre estos virus incluyen fiebre, tos, fatiga, secreción o congestión nasal y muchos otros. Se necesitan pruebas para confirmar si está enfermo con estos virus. Si usted o un miembro de su familia necesita hacerse la prueba de la influenza, la DPH recomienda comunicarse con su proveedor de atención médica primaria.

Si se enferma com influenza, los medicamentos antivirales contra la influenza pueden ser una opción de tratamiento que recomiende su proveedor de atención médica primaria. Los medicamentos antivirales funcionan mejor cuando se comienzan temprano, como uno o dos días después de que comienzan los síntomas de la influenza. Cuando el tratamiento se inicia dentro de 1 o 2 días después de que comienzan los síntomas de la influenza, los medicamentos antivirales contra la influenza pueden disminuir los síntomas y acortar el tiempo de enfermedad en 1 o 2 días.

Se alienta a los habitantes de Delaware a tomar las siguientes medidas preventivas para reducir la propagación de la influenza y otros virus respiratorios:

• Vacúnese. Si bien actualmente no existe una vacuna para el RSV, existen vacunas tanto para la influenza como para el COVID-19. Asegúrese de estar al día y obtenga sus vacunas contra la influenza y el COVID-19 ahora. Puede obtener ambos durante la misma visita.
• Quédese en casa si está enfermo.
• Cúbrase al toser y estornudar.
• Lávese las manos con frecuencia.
• Realice la prueba de COVID-19 si está enfermo y, si da negativo, considere llamar a su médico para ver si debe hacerse la prueba de la influenza. Si le diagnostican influenza, su médico puede recetarle antivirales para aliviar sus síntomas.

Para más información llame al 1-800-282-8672 o visite flu.delaware.gov. La mejor fuente de información sobre la influenza es su proveedor de atención medica primaria o un profesional de la salud.

DOVER, DE (Dec. 16, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today the state’s first suspected flu-related death for the 2022-2023 influenza season. The patient was a Kent County resident between the ages of 55 – 64 and is not reported as being vaccinated against the flu. Getting the annual flu vaccine is important for all people ages 6 months and older to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death that can result from the flu virus.  Hospitalization and death from the flu can occur in previously healthy individuals, though persons with underlying health conditions are at significantly increased risk for serious outcomes.  

“The first flu-related death of the season reminds us just how dangerous the flu can be,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “Influenza started early this season and has been very active. Getting your flu vaccine as soon as possible is the best way to reduce the chance for flu illness to turn into life-threatening flu complications. Because hospitals, walk-ins, urgent cares, and physicians’ offices are already taxed with sick patient visits, we must do everything we can to prevent adding more stress to the system. Getting your flu vaccine is a very simple way to help yourself and the overall health care system.”

According to the recently launched Influenza Dashboard on My Healthy Community (https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/portals/flu/locations/state/seasons/2022-2023/overview), a total of 5,609 total flu cases have been reported to date during the 2022-2023 flu season. The flu season began Oct 2, 2022. For the week of Dec. 4 to Dec 10, the most recent week for which case data is available, there were 1,125 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu reported. Although there have been 276,911 flu vaccine doses administered from Oct 2 to Dec 3, it only accounts for 28.6% of the population. 

Seniors ages 65 and older have the highest vaccination rate of any age group in Delaware with 63.3% vaccinated. This population makes up 41.6% of the state’s total vaccinated population. Every other age group has a vaccination rate of under 30% with persons in the 18-34 age demographic having the lowest at 11.1%. The influenza data dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays at the state and county level, and monthly for other geographies. While flu cases continue to be high, flu hospitalizations remain relatively low.  As of Dec. 3, the most recently available data for flu hospitalizations, there have been 47 hospitalizations for the season to date.

DPH reminds the public it is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu. Visit flu.delaware.gov and click on the Find A Flu Shot Near You button on the webpage for a list of locations where you can receive your flu shot. As a reminder, it is safe to get your flu shot and COVID-19 booster the same day if you are eligible for both.  

Flu, RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses that can have varying degrees of symptoms, from no symptoms to severe symptoms. Because these viruses share many of the same signs and symptoms, it is often difficult to tell the difference between them. Common symptoms between these viruses include fever, cough, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose, and several others. Testing is needed to confirm if you are sick with these viruses. If you or a family member need to get tested for the flu, DPH recommends contacting your primary health care provider.  

If you get sick with flu, influenza antiviral drugs may be a treatment option your primary health care provider recommends. Antiviral drugs work best when started early, such as one to two days after your flu symptoms begin. When treatment is started within 1-2 days after flu symptoms begin, influenza antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. 

Delawareans are encouraged to take the following preventive actions to reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses: 

• Get vaccinated. While there is currently no vaccine for RSV, there are vaccines for both flu and COVID-19. Make sure you are up-to-date and get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines now. You can get them both during the same visit. 
• Stay home if sick. 
• Cover coughs and sneezes. 
• Wash hands frequently. 
• Test for COVID-19 if sick, and if that’s negative, consider calling your doctor to see if you should be tested for flu. If you are diagnosed with the flu, your doctor may be able to prescribe antivirals to ease your symptoms. 

For additional information call 1-800-282-8672 or visit flu.delaware.gov. The best source of information about the flu vaccine is your primary care provider or a health care professional. 

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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. 

DOVER, DE (Sept. 29, 2022) – October 2 marks the official start of the 2022-2023 influenza (flu) season. The flu vaccine plays a pivotal role in helping to avoid significant flu-related illnesses, including hospitalization and death. The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) believes it is vital for Delawareans to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting the flu vaccine as soon as possible, particularly given the ongoing battle against COVID-19 and a potentially active flu season ahead. The U.S. often looks to the experience of Australia and New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere during their flu season in the summer as a possible signal of what we might face. This year, the countries had a particularly active flu season.

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. Children younger than 5, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic underlying medical conditions are most at risk for complications from the flu and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated now. DPH also urges vaccination for those who live or work with infants under 6 months of age and those who live or work in congregant settings such as long-term care and correctional facilities. DPH wants the public to know that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine, which includes the new bivalent booster.

DPH is expanding its data collection and presentation capabilities this year.  For the first time, in a pilot of approximately 20 Influenza-Like Illness Network (ILI Net) Providers statewide, DPH will collect and report the results of rapid flu test results. In the past, DPH has reported only laboratory-confirmed cases, thereby limiting the picture of the actual incidence of flu in Delaware for a given flu season. Since DPH is increasing the amount of data it collects and shares, comparing the data with that of past years should be done cautiously. In addition to collecting rapid flu test results, DPH will begin collecting information on other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to get an expanded view of the respiratory viruses circulating during the influenza season.  Later in October, DPH will make flu data available on the My Healthy Community data portal, much like it does for COVID-19.  Data will still be updated weekly as in the past, but information related to flu vaccination rates in the state will be provided for the first time. 

“The flu remains a serious health threat and we are already seeing influenza starting to circulate in advance of the official start of the season next week,” said Interim DPH Director Dr. Rick Hong. “The flu is contagious and has the ability to cause serious illness and even death. The vaccine is your best shot at reducing your risk of ending up in the hospital or worse. Despite recent decreases in COVID-19 cases, hospitals are still under strain, and Delawareans should continue to take steps to prevent emergency hospital visits, including getting the annual flu vaccine.” 

Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies against influenza virus infection to develop in the body, it is crucial to get vaccinated as early as possible to give your body time to build immunity. Getting the flu vaccine now will also protect people during the entire flu season. Find information about the flu and where to get it at flu.delaware.gov.

Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), and Division of Public Health clinics. While DPH no longer holds mass community flu clinics, it is offering flu vaccines at community-based locations where the DPH mobile units also provide additional health services. 

Flu symptoms come on suddenly and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Some signs and symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, including fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, and body aches, chills, and fatigue. Testing can effectively help you determine which illness you have. Children, older adults, and those with chronic underlying medical conditions are most at risk for complications from the flu and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated now. 

Those sick with the flu should stay home from work, school, and other gatherings and not return until they have been free of fever – with a temperature less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), without the use of fever-reducing medications – for at least 24 hours. 

In addition, people with flu symptoms should avoid close contact with people in the household and stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids. Over-the-counter medicines can provide symptom relief, but if you suspect you have influenza, call your doctor as they may decide to provide antiviral medications to help hasten recovery and prevent serious complications. Contacting your primary care provider is particularly important for those who feel very sick, are pregnant, or have chronic medical conditions. 

DPH will again share flu-related messaging through radio, print, and social media messaging and distribute a toolkit to schools, community-based organizations, and medical providers to help encourage flu vaccination through their networks.   

For more information about the flu and where to get vaccinated, visit flu.delaware.gov or call 1-800-282-8672. 

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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.

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.