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Covering the Tetons since 1965

Covering the Tetons since 1965

Wyoming has its first case of Monkeypox

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Wyoming has its first case of Monkeypox.
The Wyoming Department of Health says the virus has been identified in a patient in Laramie County.
State Health Officer and Epidemiologist, Dr. Alexia Harrist, says officials are following up with the individual to determine direct contacts with the adult man, who was tested within the last week.
Harrist said that monkeypox spreads through close, intimate contact and she does not believe the risk for the virus is now a higher concern for the local community or for most people in Wyoming. Monkeypox does not spread easily like familiar viruses such as influenza or COVID-19.
Monkeypox is characterized by a rash with other symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and tiredness. It is rarely fatal but is unpleasant and painful and can cause serious illness in some people.
Detailed facts and prevention recommendations are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html.
Some residents are eligible for pre-exposure vaccination if they live or work in Wyoming and those interested should contact County Public Health.
“While anyone can become ill with monkeypox, vaccine eligibility is currently limited to people who are at highest risk in connection with this outbreak and how its spreading,” Harrist said. “The goal is to put available vaccine supplies to the best possible use.”
Eligible individuals interested in vaccination appointments should contact the public health office in their area. Contact information for county public health offices can be found at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/nursing/phn-co-offices/. Wyoming residents may also call WDH at 307-777-6004 for help finding the closest local public health office.
While available monkeypox vaccine doses are being provided by the federal government through the state at no cost, a small administration fee may be charged.
More Wyoming-related information and updates about monkeypox can be found at
https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/monkeypox/.
 

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