Monkeypox Virus | Healthcare Provider | Close Physical Contact
According to KSL, Monkeypox is affecting the Latino and Pacific Islander populations in Utah at a disproportionate rate. According to the data, Latinos make up over 34% of all Monkeypox virus cases reported in the beehive state, while Pacific Islanders make up 4% of cases.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services reported 144 confirmed cases of Monkeypox on September 20, 2022. Also, the total number of people who have received a vaccine in Utah is 3,772. According to the department, they did not release data for races that have had fewer than five cases due to privacy concerns.
- Central Utah: 1
- Davis County: 11
- Salt Lake County: 104
- Summit County: 2
- Tooele County: 2
- Tri-County: 1
- Utah County: 13
- Weber/Morgan: 10
Utah’s data reflects nationwide Monkeypox trends. A disproportionate trend. Black and Hispanic individuals account for 54% of nationwide cases.
According to reports, the vaccines administered to Black and Latino men are much lower than what you see in cases. Strangely, although the rate of vaccinations in these communities is lower, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) still insists on recommending “men who have sex with men” get vaccinated for Monkeypox. If the nation would like to increase the rate of vaccinations in these communities, they must stop using this as criteria. Black and Latino communities are less likely to be vaccinated because they may not feel comfortable being labeled as a man who has sex with other men. This statement will continue to divide the community, putting in danger the entire population.
At Zenith Direct Care, we believe in public safety regardless of whom you choose to have intercourse. Below is our recommendation of who should be vaccinated for Monkeypox.
What Are the Monkeypox Symptoms?
Monkeypox Symptoms:
A rash or skin lesions include scabs before healing. These rashes can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. Some experience flu-like symptoms.
Other symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches & backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms
*A person with Monkeypox can experience any or all symptoms.
How Does Monkeypox Spread?
- Reports show that individuals with monkeypox who participate in sexual intercourse or activities of close physical contact with others are at-risk and should consider getting vaccinated.
- Direct or intimate contact is defined as follows:
- Anyone who participates in oral, anal, or vaginal sex with a person who has Monkeypox
- Anyone who participates in hugging, kissing, or massaging an infected person
- Anyone who participates in the touching or handling of genitalia or anus of a person who has Monkeypox
- Anyone pregnant person with Monkeypox can pass it to the fetus
- Anyone who touches or handles any objects or fabrics used during sex by a person with Monkeypox
- Any infected individual who touched objects or fabrics without thoroughly washing them can infect others through objects and fabrics. Again, only those infected with Monkeypox.
Where Can I Get Vaccinated for Monkeypox?
Second doses of the vaccine can be scheduled 28 days after the first dose. Call 385-468-4100 to schedule your second dose.
If you have come into close contact with an individual with a confirmed monkeypox case, call your health care provider to order a Smallpox vaccine.
According to media outlets, the Utah Health Department is administering smallpox vaccines to the at-risk public, along with second doses. The public can schedule an appointment once the vaccines have arrived.
