Where are the most reported cases of monkeypox in Florida? A change in Miami and Broward
Miami-Dade has surpassed Broward as the county with the most confirmed and probable cases of monkeypox in Florida amid the U.S. outbreak, state data shows.
The preliminary data shows Miami-Dade has recorded 367 confirmed and probable cases of monkeypox, a disease that is known to cause fever and painful pimple-like rashes. Broward has recorded 330 confirmed and probable cases.
Statewide, there are 938 confirmed and probable monkeypox cases in Florida, according to the state’s Reportable Diseases Frequency Report. The data in this report is considered preliminary. Of these cases, at least 507 are confirmed, according to the state data.
Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Florida has 633 confirmed monkeypox cases. Florida’s report shows fewer confirmed cases. The Miami Herald has contacted Florida’s Department of Health and the CDC to inquire about the discrepancy.
What to know about monkeypox
▪ Monkeypox is similar to smallpox, but less severe, according to the Mayo Clinic.
▪ The disease can spread through intimate contact, such as kissing and sex, by contact with the rash, body fluids, respiratory secretions or by touching contaminated objects, such as clothing and bedding.
▪ Monkeypox symptoms include fever, painful pimple-like rashes and swollen lymph nodes. People diagnosed with monkeypox should isolate at home until all symptoms are gone. This includes waiting for the rashes turned scabs to fall and for new skin to form. The CDC says all of this can take between two to four weeks.
▪ To reduce your risk of falling ill with monkeypox, the CDC recommends washing your hands often, not touching utensils, bedding or clothing of a person ill with monkeypox, and avoiding intimate contact, such as hugging, kissing, sex or cuddling with someone who has monkeypox or has a rash that looks like monkeypox.
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▪ The U.S. declared the monkeypox outbreak to be a public health emergency on Aug. 4, nearly two weeks after the World Health Organization declared monkeypox to be a public health emergency of international concern. The United States has confirmed more than 7,000 cases.
▪ Many of the people who have fallen ill in this outbreak are men who have sex with men though the CDC says anyone can get the disease.
▪ Monkeypox vaccines exist, but supply is limited.
Keep in mind that the above map, which uses CDC data, automatically updates and may have a lag.
READ MORE: Are there monkeypox myths? A Miami doctor breaks down disease fact and fiction
This story was originally published August 8, 2022 at 10:27 AM.
