MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Mecklenburg County health officials said it is now seeing a significant amount of monkeypox cases. This comes two days after the World Health Organization dubbed monkeypox a global emergency.
In a news conference Monday, officials said about two-thirds of the cases in the state are in Mecklenburg County. In response, the health department announced they are ramping up vaccine efforts and targeting a specific group of people.
Monkeypox was first confirmed in North Carolina in June. As of July 25, there are 27 cases statewide, and 18 of those are in Mecklenburg County.
“Of course, everyone’s at risk for monkeypox infections. And so, for some people, we know the infections can be more severe, specifically children, as well as older adults, people who are immunocompromised, and so that’s why we’re so laser-focused on trying to contain community transmission,” said County Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington.
At this point, the county has 688 people on a waitlist to get the two-dose vaccine. But in order to get as many people vaccinated as possible, officials are suspending the second dose, hoping to get more people vaccinated to slow the spread.
“We won’t keep that dose in the freezer because we need to move as quickly as possible to get the vaccine out to folks,” Washington said.
The vaccine can prevent illness or lead to less severe symptoms if given within two weeks after someone is exposed to monkeypox, officials said.
Who is eligible for the vaccine in Mecklenburg County:
The county is currently limiting those who are eligible for the vaccine.
- People who have been in close physical contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox in the last 14 days.
- Men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals, who report any of the following in the last 90 days: having multiple or anonymous sex partners; being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection; receiving HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
- Certain health care workers and public health response team members designated by public health authorities.
“So, what we have seen, and I think this is the same pattern that we’ve seen across the state, is that Black men who have sex with men have been affected; and we have also noticed, and I think the state has noticed too, that these are not the persons that we’ve seen in our vaccine opportunities,” said Communicable Disease Director Joy Smith.
Health officials said the vaccine is incredibly effective. They also stressed that while it has been found in specific groups locally, anyone can get monkeypox.
According to health officials, monkeypox is transmitted person-to-person through direct skin-to-skin contact, having contact with an infectious rash, through body fluids or through respiratory secretions.
“While monkeypox poses minimal risk to most people, we are working to offer vaccines to those at the highest risk,” Washington said earlier in July. “This allows us to maximize the very limited supply of vaccine that is currently available and reach those who are most vulnerable to the current outbreak.”
Officials said the monkeypox vaccines are free.
Mecklenburg County received 720 monkeypox vaccine doses Friday. They are being offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Click here to sign up for the waitlist.
“It’s important to note that anyone’s at risk, including females, adults,” Washington said. “Everybody’s at risk -- children -- because it’s spread through close contact.”
(WATCH BELOW: Monkeypox: What you need to know)
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