Monkey Pox is here in Great Falls
Cascade County City County Health Department has released information stating that Monkey Pox is now in Great Falls. Reported by The Electric, the patient is a male in his 20's.
According to DPHHS there are currently 6 cases in Montana in Cascade, Flathead, Gallatin, Hill, and Lake counties.
These are the symptoms: from the CDC,
A rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash will first look like pimples or blisters and they're itchy. The rash goes through several stages before healing. Other symptoms are fever, chills. swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle ache and back ache, along with respiratory issues like a sore throat, nasal congestion or cough. You can have all or just some of the symptoms.
Symptoms generally come within 3 weeks of exposure. The rash appears 1-4 days after the flu symptoms. Monkey Pox will generally last 2-4 weeks. A person with Monkey Pox is contagious from the time they get flu symptoms until all of the rash is healed, there is no scabbing, and new skin has formed.
How is it spread
Close, personal contact, most often skin-to-skin. Monkey Pox can also be spread from objects and fabrics touched by the infected person, and contact with respiratory secretions.
What if you're exposed
Watch for symptoms for 21 days. If you're not exhibiting any symptoms, you can go on with your daily routine.
What if you think you have it
Stay away from others and see your doctor immediately. Try not to scratch the rash as it can help it spread to other parts of the body and become infected. You can also spread it easier if you're scratching. Also, cover as much of the rash as possible before seeing your health care provider.
Is there a vaccine
Yes. If you feel you're at risk, ask your health care provider about getting the Monkey Pox Vaccine.