County Health Department increases monkeypox alert level

The Salt Lake County Health Department is asking all men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender and nonbinary men and women, to be vaccinated against monkeypox. As case counts have increased, we are seeing more cases with serious symptoms, including some that that require additional medical intervention and even hospitalization.

Monkeypox is a virus new to the U.S. and Utah, and it has arrived with a bang. At the time of this writing, there are over 70,000 cases reported worldwide and over 26,000 cases reported in the U.S. Salt Lake County has diagnosed about 120 cases since the onset of the current outbreak in July.

While anyone can get monkeypox – viruses do not know or care who you are – the vast majority of cases in Salt Lake County, and the rest of the country, are in men who report having sex with other men. We are also seeing a disproportionate number of cases in Hispanic men who have sex with men, so it is especially important for the Hispanic MSM community to be aware of their partners’ health status and to protect themselves by getting vaccinated.

As many already know, painful lesions and rash are the hallmark of this infection, and it is a difficult experience for many. Some cases may seem mild at the onset, but then become more serious over the course of weeks. Some people also experience severe flu-like symptoms or have lesions that make it extremely painful to defecate or urinate. When this happens, hospitalization may be necessary. Symptoms usually take at least 3–4 weeks to resolve. Some cases require doctor-assisted pain management, and it is difficult for many patients to stay home from work and isolate for weeks. Many patients do not have paid leave policies that cover their absences. Many, also, do not have health insurance to pay for doctor’s visits or hospitalization. Having monkeypox lesions on the face can also cause social anxiety and fear for patients.

Sexual contact is the most common way that monkeypox is transmitted. It is primarily spread through contact with (touching) lesions, rash and/or the sexual body fluids of an infected person. It can also be spread through contact with fabrics shared with someone who has lesions or, less commonly, by exposure to respiratory secretions.

The monkeypox vaccine is very safe and effective. It requires two doses given at least 28 days apart and is available at multiple Salt Lake County Health Department locations. People who are eligible for monkeypox vaccine include men who have sex with men, transgender and nonbinary people who have sex with men, and anyone who, in the last six months, has had sex at a commercial sex venue or as part of a large, public event. Vaccine appointments are available by calling 385-468-SHOT (7486), and we also accept people on a walk-in basis. Visit SaltLakeHealth.org for locations and hours.

By Lynn Beltran, MPH - Salt Lake County Health Department