The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is responding to the monkeypox outbreak. There are cases of monkeypox in at least 43 states and Washington DC. To date, there have been no monkeypox-related deaths outside of endemic countries. The risk of monkeypox to the general population remains low.

In the event of a monkeypox case, DOH-Seminole will conduct epidemiological investigations to notify possible exposures and offer post-exposure prophylaxis when indicated. DOH-Seminole will offer the monkeypox vaccine to high-risk groups as doses become available from the federal government.

Up to date information on monkeypox is available at FloridaHealth.gov. Case data for monkeypox, as well as other reportable diseases, can be found on FLHealthCharts.gov.

Prevention and Treatment

If health care providers suspect a possible case of monkeypox, immediately call DOH-Seminole at 407-665-3243 (if afterhours, call 407-665-3000 option 1) or the 24/7 disease reporting hotline at 850-245-4401. Local county health departments can help providers obtain monkeypox virus-specific
real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

Human-to-human transmission generally requires prolonged, face-to-face contact, direct contact with lesion materials, or indirect contact with lesion materials through contaminated items, such as contaminated clothing. Therefore, the risk of exposure remains low.

Health care providers should remain vigilant of information related to monkeypox:

• Monkeypox symptoms, especially among individuals with relevant travel history.
• Transmission and incubation periods.
• Specimen collection.
• Infection control procedures in the home and hospital settings.
• Clinical recognition, and the characteristic rash associated with monkeypox.
• Prophylaxis and possible treatments for monkeypox.
• Monitoring of those exposed to monkeypox.

The public should also remain vigilant of the current meningococcal outbreak. Demographic impacts are similar among meningococcal and monkeypox cases. The meningococcal vaccines are available to high-risk populations at every county health department, free of charge. Floridians can find more information on meningococcal disease here.