PHO Advisory: Monkeypox July 5, 2022 General monkeypox 0 SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH HEALTHCARE PROVIDER HEALTH ADVISORY: July 1, 2022 DOWNLOAD LETTER HERE San Bernardino County Providers: As of 7/1/2022, there are total of 395 Monkeypox cases in the United States of which 85 cases are in California. All cases were mild with zero resulting in deaths. There are zero confirmed cases so far in San Bernardino County. The most significant risk factor is close, sustained skin-to-skin contact. Vaccine Distribution San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (SBCDPH) is working closely with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in its consideration for expanded Monkeypox Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)/Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The ultimate goal is to expand vaccine eligibility to populations at highest risk for recent or future exposure in order to increase population-level immunity and disrupt chains of transmission. In addition, outreach and education will be needed to reach all populations at risk and to reduce disparities in vaccine uptake. SBCDPH will follow the phase/priority guidance set forth by CDPH given the limited supply of the monkeypox vaccine. At this time, the initial supply of Monkeypox vaccine (JYNNEOS) will be distributed as PEP for named contacts and PrEP for individuals at high occupational risk according to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidance (e.g. laboratory workers performing orthopoxvirus tests, selected clinicians, response team members). Phase 2 will include PrEP for at-risk individuals. Presentation and Testing Current presentation of Monkeypox mimics symptoms commonly seen in sexually transmitted diseases. Please continue to screen and test those affected according to the latest CDPH Health Advisory (6/23/2022) and SBCDPH Orthopox Testing Guidance (see attachment). Infection Control in the Healthcare Setting Please work with your facility’s infection preventionists (IP) regarding proper personal protective equipment (PPE), patient placement (single person room without special air handling), and environmental infection control measures according to the latest CDPH Health Advisory (6/23/2022) and current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monkeypox infection control measures in consultation with your facility’s IP. All staff entering patients’ rooms should wear the following PPE: gloves, gown, eye protection, and NIOSH-approved particulate respirator equipped with N95 respirator filters or higher. Key Message to the Patients Prevention is key. Advise your patients to avoid close skin to skin direct contact with an infected person. Encourage patients to ask sexual partners about known symptoms and take steps towards self-protection. See below for more information on patient education. CDPH Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Monkeypox-Questions-and-Answers.aspx Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/about.html Reporting CDPH requests that health care providers immediately report cases of persons meeting the clinical case definition of a Suspect Case (Case Definitions† for Use in the 2022 Monkeypox Response | Monkeypox | Poxvirus | CDC) to their local health department. The SBCDPH Communicable Disease Section is available at 1 (800) 722 4794 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) for reporting, consultation, and guidance. References CDPH Health Advisory 6/23/2022: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Health-Advisory-Monkeypox-Virus-6-23-22.aspx (PDF attachment) CDPH Communication’s Toolbox: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/Communications-Toolkits/Monkeypox.asp SBCDPH Orthopox Testing Guidance (PDF) Thank you, Michael A. Sequeira, M.D. Health Officer Department of Public Health, County of San Bernardino Comments are closed.
