FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release date: 09 August 2022
Contact: William Malm 737-262-9633 Email
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release date: 09 August 2022
Contact: William Malm 737-262-9633 Email
Declarations draw attention to illness, allow for additional resources
AUSTIN, Texas – The city of Austin and Travis County declared monkeypox a public health emergency Tuesday as the number of cases in Austin-Travis County continues to rise. Immediate measures must be taken to curb the spread of the disease in our society.
The declarations can be found here:
Last week, the US Department of Health and Human Services announced that it was declaring the spread of monkeypox a public health emergency. Austin and Travis County join Dallas County on the list of jurisdictions in Texas to declare monkeypox a public health emergency.
“We have an opportunity to stop the spread of monkeypox in our community. While we await more vaccines from the state, we are asking the community to do what they know works,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “Limiting close contact with those you don’t know, covering as much of your skin as possible when going to events and wearing tight-fitting masks will help protect yourself from this disease.”
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) awarded 3,000 doses of JYNNEOS monkeypox to Austin Public Health (APH). As the JYNNEOS vaccine requires two courses, the limited supply provides enough vaccine for only 1,500 people.
When the vaccine is provided by the state, it is required to follow the criteria of the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As needed, APH assesses those who are close contacts at high risk of monkeypox for vaccination.
Only those who have had a sexual partner within the past 14 days who was diagnosed with monkeypox, or those who had multiple sexual partners within the past 14 days in a jurisdiction with known monkeypox, are currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
“Monkey pox is a serious disease that causes physical and mental anguish for patients. Not only is someone experiencing pain, they have to deal with all the hardships that come with isolating for as many as 28 days,” said Austin Public Health Director, Adrienne Sturrup. “We can beat this disease by following simple precautions that reduce the spread and keep each other safe.”
You can protect yourself from monkeypox by:
“My hope today is that this statement will drive more state and federal resources to Austin and Travis County,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown. “We also want the public to be aware of the symptoms and risks associated with monkeypox. With colleges, universities and schools winding down and the festival season beginning, it is imperative that everyone does their part to protect themselves and their loved ones .”
Anyone who thinks they are a close contact with someone who has tested positive for monkeypox should contact their doctor. Those without access to health care can call APH at 512-972-5560 for information.
Share
