PORTLAND, Ore. (August 8, 2022): As Human Monkeypox Virus (hMPXV) cases rise in Oregon and nationwide, Kaiser Permanente will begin administering vaccines to high-risk individuals in the Northwest on Tuesday August 9th. We encourage people to be aware of this illness, understand how the virus spreads, and know what precautions and treatments are available.
Dr. Katie Sharff, Chief of Infectious Disease for Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Ore., encourages the public to be aware of the virus and take it seriously, but not to panic. “We don’t believe the current hMPXV outbreak will mirror the COVID-19 pandemic because hMPXV simply doesn't spread as easily as COVID does, and it’s rarely fatal.”
“That being said, the symptoms of monkeypox can be very uncomfortable and debilitating for some patients, so it is important we educate about this disease and maximize strategies to reduce spread,” continued Dr. Sharff. “Most cases resolve with supportive care, and we also have developed vaccines that can be used to prevent hMPXV infection. Vaccine supply is currently very limited, but we anticipate it will increase over time.”
There are more than 7,100 confirmed cases of hMPXV in the US and it has been declared a public health emergency. Most cases of hMPXV have been transmitted through close, personal, and skin-to-skin contact, including during sex. While the majority of cases thus far have been among men who have sex with men, anyone can be affected by hMPXV, and it is essential to educate and avoid stigma with this infection.
Interviews available:
Dr. Katie Sharff, Chief of Infectious Disease for Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Ore, is available for Zoom interviews with media from 1-3 p.m. on Monday, August 8; or noon-1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9. Contact karen.a.vitt@kp.org to schedule.
Dr. Sharff is prepared to discuss:
Human Monkeypox Virus (hMPXV)
- What is hMPXV and what are the symptoms?
- How does hMPXV spread?
- What can you do to decrease risk for exposure to hMPXV?
- What should you do if you’ve been exposed?
hMPXV testing and treatment
- Is testing available for hMPXV?
- How is monkeypox treated?
hMPXV Vaccines
- What hMPXV vaccines are available?
- Who should get vaccinated?
- Where can you access the vaccines?
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