ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.A local doctor said he is seeing patients who have symptoms of monkeypox.<\/p>\n
Dr. Bob Wallace, a family practice physician at Love the Golden Rule in St. Pete, said he has seen about six patients presenting symptoms of monkeypox. <\/p>\n
\"I had my first patient with symptoms this week. We actually have had six patients that we've had to refer them to the health department who have been exposed to a known monkeypox case. This patient had fever, headache, tiredness and had not yet developed a rash. We were able to get him vaccinated immediately,\" said Dr. Wallace. <\/p>\n
According to the CDC, monkeypox is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. Monkeypox is rarely fatal. Symptoms may include: fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion and a rash that looks like pimples or blisters. <\/p>\n
The illness typically last 2-4 weeks. It is spread by direct contact with the infected person or by contaminated items like utensils, bedding and clothing. <\/p>\n
RELATED: As monkeypox cases rise, advocates say so is the stigma surrounding it<\/p>\n
\"Were working with the health department. Theyre actually seeking sites right now that will be vaccination distribution centers. Weve not completed that process,\" Dr. Wallace said. <\/p>\n
The United States is reporting the most cases of any other country in the globe. More than 3,400 cases have been reported in the United States with at least 2 children becoming infected with the virus, according to the CDC. <\/p>\n
Florida is reporting at least 270 cases. <\/p>\n
\"This virus is much less contagious than COVID 19. It requires real, close physical contact between individuals to transmit so its continuing to grow, but its growing at a much slower rate than like a respiratory virus,\" said Dr. Thomas Unnasch, a distinguished professor with USF Health. <\/p>\n
The CDC said two vaccines are licenses by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are available for preventing monkeypox. CDC recommends that the vaccine be given within 4 days from the date of exposure for the best chance to prevent the onset of the disease. <\/p>\n
The CDC said antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat monkeypox virus infection. <\/p>\n
If you believe you may have been exposed to monkeypox, contact your local health department. <\/p>\n
For more information visit the Florida Department of Health here.<\/p>\n
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St. Pete doctor sees a handful of patients exposed to monkeypox - ABC Action News Tampa Bay<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.A local doctor said he is seeing patients who have symptoms of monkeypox. Continue reading