There are more than 80 active cases in the county, the highest number in the state. Dallas County Health and Human Services received a little less than half of the Texas Department of State Health Services鈥� allotment of vaccine from the federal Strategic National Stockpile.
Public Information Officer Christian Grisales for Dallas County Health and Human Services said the department was grateful to receive the vaccines.
鈥淲e continue to work with the state to make sure we receive more supply as those doses are distributed,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just great news for everyone out there in the community.鈥�
The first case of monkeypox in the United States was , and the first in Dallas County was reported in early June from . Cases are spread through direct physical contact, including sexual contact, with people who are infected.
鈥淎nyone can get it,鈥� Grisales said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not exclusive to one community and that鈥檚 why we all have to be aware. That鈥檚 something that we鈥檙e trying to be sure the community understands and knows.鈥�
Infections are usually characterized by a bumpy, blistery rash on the body, found on the groin, face, hands or feet. It can also include . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state the virus lasts between , with the rash .
Grisales said that if people think they鈥檝e come in contact with someone who has monkeypox, or are showing symptoms, to isolate and get tested by a healthcare provider. If the person tests positive, the county health department will then get in touch to confirm the case and coordinate vaccination. He said currently vaccines are being distributed on a case-by-case basis.
The vaccine is a two-series shot, which has a high chance of preventing the virus if taken within four days of exposure, and lessens the duration and severity of symptoms if taken between four and 14 days of exposure, .
To prevent exposure, Grisales encourages people to go back to COVID-19 prevention methods like hand washing and limiting contact.
鈥淣o matter what you do, you should continue washing your hands,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hose are the things we鈥檝e learned through COVID: clean surfaces, wash our hands constantly.鈥�
If someone thinks they were exposed, or need help accessing health support if they do not have a primary care physician, Grisales said to get in touch with the department by calling (214) 819-2004, ext. 6. More information and updates on weekly case counts can be found on the .
Got a tip? Email Elena Rivera at erivera@kera.org. You can follow Elena on Twitter .
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