Monkeypox UPDATe

2022 U.S. Monkeypox Outbreak

What You Need to Know

• CDC is tracking an outbreak of monkeypox that has spread across several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States.
• The monkeypox virus is spreading mostly through close, intimate contact with someone who has monkeypox.
• You can take steps to prevent getting monkeypox and lower your risk during sex.
• CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox.
• If you have any symptoms of monkeypox, talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has monkeypox.
• CDC is urging healthcare providers in the United States to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox.

About Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people.
The first human case of monkeypox was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, monkeypox had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred on multiple continents.

PLTHC MONKEYPOX (ORTHOPOX) PROTOCOL:
In Case of Emergency Call 911

Operational Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 AM — 4:30 PM 

1. All patients presenting to the clinic with a rash are triaged in their vehicle by the nursing staff prior to entering an examination pod.
2. Nursing staff will then give report to a provider who will then briefly examine the suspicious rash while the patient is still in their vehicle.  If the provider has a suspicion for monkeypox they will proceed with the remainder of the protocol, otherwise the patient will be seen under the current clinic flow.
3. The provider will then make a decision based upon current weather conditions and the ability of the patient’s vehicle to keep them cool (or warm) whether or not the patient will be moved to an examination pod.
4. A swab of any suspicious lesions will be collected and transported by clinic staff to the state lab for testing.
5. In the interest of community health Pyramid Lake EMS will then be contacted in order to isolate and transport the patient to a definitive care facility.  The patient can then be tested for monkeypox and results received that day.  Additionally the patient may receive pain control as well as vaccination if appropriate, as well pertinent information collected and reported regarding patient’s close contacts.

CALL and ISOLATE UNTIL PLTHC MEDICAL STAFF CAN ASSIST YOU...
**Please be patient with Call backs as we are assisting other patients**

1. Be prepared to leave a message. Leave a CLEAR message with your NAME and PHONE NUMBER where you can be reached.
2. A Nurse or Provider will call back in the order the calls have been received during business hours or by the next business day. They need this time to review your chart to better prepare for your call.
3. Outside these hours you can call the: 

• PL EMS-Paramedicine: (775) 574-8999 ​
• Washoe County Health Department: (775) 328-2400