What You Need to Know-Week of June 13th
The most important weekly updates for you to keep your community healthy
In this Update:
1. Urgent Updates: COVID-19 Metric
2. Information You Need: Rising COVID-19 cases across the U.S. & Arizona
3. What is Monkeypox?
1. Urgent Updates: COVID-19 Metrics
See breakdown of vaccination by Arizona counties
See updated vaccine information and data in Arizona
2. Information You Need: Rising COVID-19 cases across the U.S. & Arizona
COVID-19 cases are rising across most places in the United States, including Arizona. BA.2 has been the dominant variant since early May and transmission is rapidly spreading. This is largely due to the contagiousness of the BA.2. However, a notable subvariant of BA.2, BA.2:12.1, which appears to be roughly 30% more contagious than the original BA.2, is now the most common variant in Arizona. The most common symptoms for this subvariant mirror what is experienced with allergies or the flu and include: fatigue, running nose, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat.
In addition, BA.4 and BA.5 have been noted as variants of concern due rapidly increasing cases around the world. However, there is limited information currently available on the trasnmissibility of these variants.
Experts suggest staying vigilant during this time, despite a large feeling of COVID fatigue. Mask wearing while in indoor spaces and receiving vaccine boosters will be essential to reducing transmission, hospitalizations, and death.
learn more about the variants that have been sequenced in Arizona
3. What is Monkeypox?
What is it?
Monkeypox, or MPX, is a previously rare viral infection caused by the Monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the poxviridae family, which includes the well-known smallpox virus. Although both smallpox and monkeypox are similar in symptom presentation, monkeypox is less contagious and severe. The virus has been endemic to multiple countries throughout Central and West Africa. As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and more individuals are traveling, there is a greater chance for the spread of airborne diseases, such as Monkeypox. There are 28 countries with one or more cases of the monkeypox virus. Over 300 cases have been reported throughout Europe. In North America, less than 200 cases have been reported, 65 of which are in the United States. As of early June 2022, has been one reported case of the monkeypox virus in Arizona.
How is Monkeypox transmitted?
Monkeypox is spread from person to person through large respiratory droplets, close contact with lesions (i.e., shared bedding, clothes), or direct contact with an infected person’s body fluids, including pus from any present sores. In addition to human-to-human transmission, the monkeypox virus can spread through contact with infected animals; currently, there is evidence of transmission through rope and tree squirrels, Gambian poached rats, dormice, and various species of monkeys and other non-human primates. In fact, there was an outbreak of monkeypox in the United States in 2004 in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin that was linked to the illegal importation of animals, specifically a giant Gambian rat. The outbreak was limited in scope and there were no deaths, though there were some hospitalizations.
What are the symptoms?
After exposure to the virus, symptoms usually develop within 7 to 14 days, although it can range from 5 to 20 days. Unlike COVID-19, the exposed individual is not infectious during the incubation period and is only able to spread the virus to others once they show symptoms. The initial symptoms of the virus are typically a prominent fever, body aches and pains, headache, and fatigue. As the body fights off the virus, the infected individual will experience enlarged lymph nodes, followed by a rash on the hands and feet, which transforms into small, painful, pus-filled lesions. Symptoms occur for two to four weeks.
How to prevent it?
Decreasing the transmission of the Monkeypox virus is achievable through effective preventative methods. As the virus is spread through large respiratory droplets, it is essential to remain distanced from infected individuals. If physical distancing is not possible, it is crucial to wear a facial mask and long, protective clothing. Additionally, implementing hygienic practices, such as frequent handwashing, also helps to reduce the spread of disease. There has been widespread media attention about some cases of “sexual” transmission of monkeypox. However, since the virus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets and skin-skin contact, sexual contact is not even necessary for transmission to occur. Although there is some public health concern due to the increased number of cases, vaccinations are available. However, it is easier to prevent transmission given the relatively higher intimacy required for transmission than viruses that are more readily airborne, like COVID-19. And since people transmit after they show symptoms, it is easier to isolate and prevent transmission. The Smallpox vaccine, which is 85% effective in preventing the monkeypox virus, and Jynneos, a monkeypox specific vaccine, are available and FDA approved. Given the limited supply of Jynneos, the general public is not recommended to receive the vaccine and risk for widespread monkeypox transmission is considered low.
Check out the following websites to stay updated with the most recent information regarding Monkeypox:
If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to COVID-19 in Arizona, please complete next week’s AZCOVIDTXT survey that you will receive via text in about a week.