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Atlantic County health officials are working with the state and healthcare providers to help prevent the spread of monkeypox by raising awareness of its symptoms and risks.
As of July 27, the New Jersey Department of Health has reported 102 probable or confirmed cases of monkeypox throughout the state, but none in Atlantic County.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus that can affect anyone. The virus can cause flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes and a rash that can appear as pimples or blisters on any part of the body and can resemble other infectious diseases such as chickenpox, herpes or syphilis.
Flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, sore throat, cough, chills or exhaustion.
Monkeypox does not spread easily to people without direct, close contact with an infectious rash, respiratory secretions or bodily fluids, or by touching items or surfaces that have been exposed to the virus.
The virus can also spread to the fetus during pregnancy. Those with a weak immune system, history of skin problems such as eczema, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, may be more susceptible to serious illness.
Anyone with symptoms is advised to isolate and contact their healthcare provider. Those who believe they have been exposed to the virus should also consult their physician.
Anti-viral drugs and vaccines are available to treat and prevent monkeypox infections. In New Jersey, the vaccine is available to residents with known exposure to a monkeypox case as well as those who are at high risk of having been exposed to the virus in the past 14 days.
For more information, visit www.aclink.org/public-health or contact the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at 609-645-5933.
