Monkeypox testing and vaccines are available in Alaska; vaccine eligibility expanded

While the risk of exposure to the monkeypox virus here in Alaska remains low, Alaskans should be aware of monkeypox and how it spreads. While the disease is new to Alaska, monkeypox itself is not a new disease.

In a press release from the Alaska Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, Dr. Joe McLaughlin, state epidemiologist and chief of the Section of Epidemiology said:

“While the risk of monkeypox for the general public remains low, this is a serious public health concern because of how quickly it is currently spreading in the United States. Fortunately, we have the tools here in Alaska to help identify cases, prevent further transmission and treat infected people who are at risk for severe disease. We can slow the spread of this virus by detecting cases quickly and vaccinating those who are eligible to receive the vaccine.”

As of Friday, the DOH has reported 3 cases of monkeypox in Alaska residents, with an additional case detected in a nonresident. Alaska’s resident cases can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) case count map for the 2022 United States outbreak. As of today, there are over 14,000 monkeypox cases reported in 49 other states, plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, according to the CDC. Globally, there have been nearly 42,000 cases reported, according to the CDC.

So, what it monkeypox? Discovered in 1958 when 2 outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred monkeys used for research, it is a rare virus that is part of the same family as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox.

Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people.

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to the symptoms of smallpox, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

The first recorded human case of monkeypox was in 1970; prior to this 2022 outbreak, the virus had been primarily kept within central and western African countries. Most other cases were found in people outside of Africa linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals.

What does monkeypox look like? According to the CDC, people with monkeypox primarily get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus, but may also be found on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.

People who have contracted monkeypox reported that the rash appears first, is painful, and that it will go through several stages-initially resembling pimples or blisters, before scabbing, then healing.

Other symptoms include fever, chills, exhaustion, body aches, and flu-like symptoms.

Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact.

If people suspect they have the signs or symptoms of the virus, the DOH advises Alaskans seek testing, even if they do not have a known exposure. People with suspected monkeypox are advised to keep their rash covered and to stay home while test results are pending. Testing is widely available in many parts of the state-contact the local public health center or a health care for testing.

DOH expanded the eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine on August 12 and is partnering with Alaska’s Tribal health system to ensure statewide access to the vaccines. Monkeypox vaccine is currently available in Alaska for people who have been exposed to monkeypox, as well as those at high risk of exposure before an exposure occurs. The JYNNEOS vaccine is currently recommended for people in Alaska who have been identified by public health authorities as a contact with high or intermediate risk exposure to monkeypox or people who believe they have been exposed to monkeypox (this can include an anonymous notification of exposure)

Gay, bisexual, or other people assigned male at birth who have sex with people assigned male at birth, or transgender people, AND have had multiple or anonymous sexual partners in the past 6 months.

Following a decision by the Federal Food and Drug Administration this week, the vaccine can now be administered intradermally (within the skin) for adults 18 years and older. This method of injection uses a smaller amount of vaccine, and will help providers get more doses from a single vial of vaccine, which increases supply and expands eligibility.

The Alaska Division of Public Health has received a small supply of tecovirimat (TPOXX) from the federal government. TPOXX is licensed for the treatment of smallpox and may be available for the treatment of monkeypox under an expanded access Investigational New Drug protocol.

TPOXX treatment may be considered for patients with severe disease, those at increased risk of severe disease, or in some other clinically relevant cases. More details on TPOXX are available from the CDC.

DOH reminds Alaskans that to prevent the spread of monkeypox, avoid close contact with people who have recently been diagnosed with monkeypox or with people who have virus symptoms such as the characteristic rash.

Be aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on oneself and/or partner’s body. If in close contact with someone who has symptoms, wear a face mask, limit skin-to-skin contact, avoid touching objects used by someone with monkeypox and wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

Monkeypox testing and vaccines are available in Alaska to help prevent further transmission. Treatment is also available in a small supply and may be considered for some patients.