Monkeypox FAQ: Answering your questions
KNKX has been bringing you the latest numbers and public health information since the outbreak of monkeypox in Washington. But there’s still a lot of public confusion about this virus, how it works and who is most at risk.
We're closing this blog but our reporting will continue
Following the decline in mpox cases, we will no longer be bringing you updates on this page. But the KNKX newsroom will continue to monitor and report on important public health issues impacting our region. See the latest public health news.
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Following drop in cases, mpox emergency health declaration will not be renewed
The latest headlines about mpox:
Who is eligible for a vaccination against monkeypox? And what is the difference between one dose or two?
People who were vaccinated against monkeypox in Seattle and King County more than 28 days ago can now get another dose of vaccine. And local public health officials say they're not fully protected until they do.
An initial dose of Jynneos — the smallpox vaccine that prevents monkeypox — offers strong but not long-lasting immunity. Antibody levels eventually begin to drop.
"With a second dose, they are restored to a high level that plateaued," says Dr. Jeff Duchin, Public Health Officer for King County.
"But exactly how long that immunity lasts is not known for certain people, it is anticipated to be many years."
The vast majority of Washington's confirmed monkeypox infections have been in King County so far. Vaccine supply is low and immunity doesn't drop off completely, so other public health agencies may choose to vaccinate as many first timers as possible and hold off on a second dose for a few months. One future concern is consistent vaccine supply, which is up to the federal government.
On August 26, Seattle and King County updatedwho is eligible for vaccination against monkeypox. It includes men and trans people who have sex with men and have had one of the following experiences in the last three months:
- People who have had multiple sex partners or group sex.
- Used methamphetamines.
- Have experienced homelessness, or have had unstable housing including couch surfing.
- Have been incarcerated.
The county has also expanded eligibility to all men and transgender people of color who also have sex with men. Sex workers of any gender can get a shot, too. Vaccine supply is limited and these criteria may evolve as the situation changes, officials say.
Contact your doctor or local health department if you think you're eligible for the vaccine.
What does it mean that monkeypox cases appear to be dropping?
Confirmed cases of the monkeypox virus (MPV) have been dropping both here locally and around the country. It's welcome news, but public health officials say we can't predict the future.
"I think it's really important that we don't jump to conclusions about where this outbreak is headed," said King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin in an interview with KNKX.
He thinks the drop is a good sign, if not a complete picture. Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, chief science officer for Washington state agreed.
"It's too early to say conclusively that cases are on the decline in Washington. Cases can go up and down quite a bit," Kwan-Gett said.
To date, the peak for monkeypox in King County was the last week of July with 63 probable and confirmed cases. The week of August 21, there were only 16. Similar downward trends have popped up nationwide. But health officials can't say for certain what direction monkeypox is headed.
"There are many people who are at risk, who have not been vaccinated. I don't think, in anyway, this should lead people to dismiss their concern or get the mistaken impression that monkeypox is no longer a problem," Duchin said.
Kwan-Gett said the decline could indicate public health strategies are working.
"And so, the best way to make sure that they keep going down is to keep on doing those public health measures that are preventing transmission of MPV in the community," Kwan-Gett said.
Vaccine supply is low, but in King County, where the majority of cases have been recorded, officials are meeting the demand for vaccine. Vaccines are available to anyone exposed to MPV and to people in demographics health officials believe are at risk of transmission, including men and transgender people who have sex with men.
Monkeypox outbreak spreading, second infant infected
This week, Public Health – Seattle & King County said it had confirmed a second case of monkeypox in an infant. Officials said the infant in the latest case likely contracted it from an infected family member. The baby is hospitalized, stable and receiving treatment, county officials said.
The state Department of Health said a 17-year-old also tested positive for monkeypox earlier this month.
State Secretary of Health Dr. Umair A. Shah said while the threat of infection to the general public remains low, recent pediatric cases serve as a reminder that anyone can become sick. The virus can cause a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue.
No one has died from the virus in Washington. Several people have been hospitalized for treatment, officials said.
Vaccines remain in short supply locally and nationwide.
Q&A with microbiologist Deborah Fuller from the University of Washington
Monkeypox has entered the headlines, our lexicon and our lives so quickly that many of us haven't had the time to absorb it all. And already there is a lot of misinformation out there.
KNKX reporter and producer Vivian McCall takes a moment to catch you up. She called Deborah Fuller, microbiologist and the Division Chief for Infectious Diseases and Translational Medicine at the University of Washington to learn more.
Public health emergency declared over monkeypox in WA county
King County, which includes Seattle, on Friday officially declared the local monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency as infections continue to increase in the city and other parts of the state.
“We are fortunate to have one of the best public health organizations in the nation right here in King County, and today’s action ensures they will have all the tools needed to take on the challenge of monkeypox,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a written statement.
The local emergency proclamation will free up needed resources for Public Health — Seattle & King County, as well as give the department more flexibility with hiring and contracting protocols, according to the statement. The proclamation will support efforts to contain the virus, which can cause a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue.
Washington has reported 333 monkeypox infections, 275 of which were confirmed in King County, according to the state Department of Health.