Monkeypox Virtual Town Hall Wednesday For Montco Residents

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Local health officials will be on hand to share information and answer questions Wednesday evening during a town hall event on the Monkeypox virus.

The program, which will take place virtually, is designed to give Montgomery County residents a chance to learn about the global illness and the steps they can take to be safe.

A handful of medical experts are expected to be in attendance.

The following speakers have confirmed their participation:

• Richard Lorraine, medical director for the Montgomery County Office Of Public Health
• Lisa Spacek, chief medical officer for Novus
• John Russell, chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at Abington Jefferson Health
• Lawrence Livornese, Jr., chairman of medicine and an infectious disease specialist with Main Line Health

The program, which will be moderated by Lorraine, will kick off at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Those Montgomery County residents who would like to attend the virtual town hall are asked to register in advance, and instructions on how to sign up as well as additional information can be found through this link.

Montgomery County has also provided additional resources and information about the virus on its website, which can be found here.

Monkeypox is described as a viral infection that can cause mild illness, and can include fever, body aches, a rash or lesions and a swelling of the lymph nodes.

The rash caused by the virus has been compared to the type of dermal rash caused by the chicken pox virus.

Health officials said that the rash from Monkeypox may start on the pubic region around the genitals and/or anus.

A vaccine is currently available for the virus and is typically only offered to individuals who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, according to Montgomery County health officials.

The Montgomery County Office of Public Health is currently offering free vaccines to all eligible individuals, but appointments are required, and can be obtained by calling 610-278-5117.