NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — More than 50 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Davidson County, the Metro Public Health Department said Thursday.
Thirteen of the 52 cases have recovered and are no longer in isolation.
The number of cases of monkeypox in the county has grown by 24 since last week.
MPHD said all of its appointments for monkeypox vaccinations are booked through September, but the department will work to open more appointments as Tennessee receives
more doses.
On Thursday, the White House announced that Health and Human Services will make an additional 1.8 million vaccine doses available.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 107 cases statewide and more than 13,000 cases reported in the U.S.
MONKEYPOX EXPLAINER
Throughout the summer, monkeypox has become a trending term in health care across the nation.
The virus includes rash and fever and is spread through close contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's from the same family that causes smallpox. It was first detected in 1958 in monkeys and later in humans in 1970. The disease is rarely fatal.
The United States had its first known case back in May.
Tennessee isn't immune, with the state facing 10 cases of the virus as of mid-July. Testing is now available in 48 states, according to White House officials. Vaccines are also on the way.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- 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.
Take the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with 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.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
If you are sick with monkeypox:
- Isolate at home
- If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible.
