KY has 3 confirmed cases of monkeypox. What to know about symptoms, threat level

With more than 1,000 cases of monkeypox confirmed in the U.S., you may be wanting more information on the virus and its possible threat.

Kentucky has three confirmed cases as of Thursday, all in the Louisville area, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here’s what you need to know about the virus, how it spreads and what kind of threat it poses to the public.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus, according to the CDC. Symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and a rash.

It is related to the smallpox virus, but is less severe and rarely fatal.

The CDC began monitoring the 2022 monkeypox outbreak after cases began cropping up. As of July 14, there have been just more than 11,000 cases reported worldwide.

There currently isn’t a specific treatment for monkeypox, but antiviral medicine can ease symptoms.

Is there a monkeypox vaccine available?

There are two vaccines available for monkeypox, but there is a limited supply in the U.S.

They are currently only being administered to people who are considered at high risk for infection or have potentially been in close contact with the virus.

As of Thursday, federal officials had allocated 366 doses of the vaccine to Kentucky.

How does it spread?

Monkeypox spreads through bodily fluids like saliva. It is less contagious than COVID-19, which spreads through respiratory droplets.

Monkeypox can be contracted by having sexual contact with someone infected or touching something that has infected bodily fluids.

Should people be concerned?

According to Kevin Hall, the Fayette County Health Department’s communications officer, the threat level for Lexington is currently low.

“We continue to work with medical providers on identification of any potential cases or contacts,” Hall said in an email. “There have been 0 cases identified in Lexington.”

Monkeypox is rarely fatal, often brings mild symptoms and isn’t spread as easily as the coronavirus.

Best practices to prevent infection

According to the CDC, people can take the following steps to prevent contracting monkeypox:

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

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