Monkeypox Information & Updates
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Barton Health is monitoring the national outbreak of monkeypox and has the resources and expertise to appropriately and safely care for affected individuals.
At this point there are no monkeypox limitations or restrictions at Barton Memorial Hospital or Barton Health medical offices.
COVID-19-related limitations are in effect. >
Monkeypox Information
Monkeypox has been declared a public health emergency and it is spreading across the U.S.— over 7,000 cases have been recorded within the U.S. to date.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Symptoms & Treatment
People with monkeypox get a rash and sometimes flu-like symptoms before or after the rash. The rash may initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy and will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. Monkeypox can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, typically 2-4 weeks.
The most accurate tests for monkeypox right now require swabbing lesions. Your physician will be best equipped to guide you if you have monkeypox or if you think you’ve been exposed. If you have a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms avoid close contact, including sex or being intimate with anyone, until you have been checked by a healthcare provider.
Complete information about monkeypox, including additional signs and symptoms, is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Vaccines
Vaccines are available, though distribution is limited at this time; the CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to monkeypox and people who may be more likely to get monkeypox. El Dorado County Public Health is vaccinating people in select high risk groups, known close contacts of Monkeypox cases, or individuals at occupational risk. El Dorado County Public Health Monkeypox Information >