Erie to receive more monkeypox vaccine to fight worldwide outbreak – GoErie.com

Monkeypox in Erie: Denise Johnson, M.D., PA secretary of health

Denise Johnson, M.D., Pennsylvania's physician general and acting secretary of health, talks about monkeypox during a visit to Erie on July 14.

David Bruce, Erie Times-News

Erie County residents at high risk of getting monkeypox, but haven't been exposed to the virus, could soon be eligible for vaccines.

The Erie County Department of Health will receive 80 more doses of JYNNEOS vaccine later this week or early next week, said Erin Mrenak, director of the county health department. It received an initial batch of 40 doses about two weeks ago.

More: Monkeypox vaccine available at Erie County Department of Health

"As our capacity increases, we will be able to expand vaccinations to other eligible groups or conduct pre-exposure vaccinations," Mrenak said. "We will follow state health department guidelines."

Vaccinations currently are limited mostly to people who have been in close contact with those diagnosed with the viral illness. Only one confirmed case of monkeypox has been found in the county.

More: Monkeypox arrives in Erie, public health threat less because spread is slower

A monkeypox outbreak has been spreading around the world since it was first detected earlier this year. The virus spreads through prolonged and close skin-to-skin contact, which can include hugging, cuddling and kissing, as well as through the sharing of bedding, towels and clothing.

People getting sick so far have mainly been men who have sex with men, though the virus can infect anyone, Mrenak said.

More: Monkeypox is spreading through sex, but it's not an STD. Why calling it one is a problem.

"Monkeypox is not an STD, though it can be spread through sexual practice," Mrenak said. "It can be spread through respiratory droplets, exposure to open sores or sharing certain objects."

More: After repeating early COVID mistakes, US now has the worlds biggest monkeypox outbreak

One problem with containing the monkeypox outbreak is a lack of free testing. Though testing is available at many local clinics and physician offices, Mrenak said free testing is not yet available.

"It's a concern because of the number of people who don't have a primary-care physician or don't have health insurance," Mrenak said. "We are working on coming up with solutions for that."

The primary symptom of monkeypox is a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus,according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. A person can also develop flu-like symptoms like a fever, headache and chills.

More: Addressing myths about monkeypox: A look at symptoms, treatment and other common questions

Most people who develop monkeypox recover completely within a month, local health officials have said. The mortality rate is 1% to 3%.

If you think you have been exposed to monkeypox or have the virus, contact your doctor or call the county health department at 814-451-6700.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Contact David Bruce atdbruce@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter@ETNBruce.

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Erie to receive more monkeypox vaccine to fight worldwide outbreak - GoErie.com