A private lab in Washington notified Thurston County officials on Friday that a Thurston County resident had tested positive for a non-variola orthopoxvirus and since no other orthopox viruses are currently circulating it is presumed to be monkeypox. The resident had no recent travel history.
Monkeypox is a viral illness that causes skin lesions and is sometimes preceded by flu-like symptoms. It can be spread by contact with the lesions, intimate skin to skin contact, exposure to contaminated respiratory droplets and objects contaminated with infected material.
Symptoms typically start within three weeks after exposure and individuals are contagious until the lesions have completely healed, which takes two to four weeks in most cases.
Anyone who develops unexplained rashes is urged to contact their health care provider immediately for testing. Vaccines are available but since the risk to the general public is currently considered low, only individuals who are considered high risk are eligible to get them.
Those considered high risk are as follows: people who have had intimate contact with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox; gay or bisexual men and transgender individuals who have had multiple sex partners in the last three months; people who have used methamphetamines in the last three months; people who have exchanged sex for drugs, money or other purposes in the last three months; people who have been sexually assaulted regardless of gender or sexual orientation; and people who have had sexual or prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has been exposed to monkeypox.
Any Thurston County residents eligible for the vaccine can call 360-867-2610 to schedule an appointment.
