Many have asked out of concern, and we wanted to share what we can to help address concerns about Monkeypox.
Monkeypox is a virus that is spread primarily through close intimate contact. Six cases have been identified in Kentucky.
We understand that a vaccine is not readily available in Kentucky at this time. Some doses have been delivered to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, and the current strategy is to prioritize the vaccine for individuals who have had direct exposure to someone with monkeypox.
Per the Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention, here are the primary measures individuals should take for prevention:
- 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 clothing of a person with monkeypox.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
For more information and resources, please refer to:
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services:
https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/idb/Pages/monkeypox.aspx
Monkeypox vaccine distribution:
https://aspr.hhs.gov/SNS/Pages/JYNNEOS-Distribution.aspx
Lexington Medical Society:
AVOL Kentucky will continue to monitor for additional information about monkeypox and will update this page as we learn more.