First Monkeypox Death In Virginia Confirmed By Health Department

VIRGINIA — The first death of a person diagnosed with monkeypox in Virginia was confirmed by the state's health department Thursday.

The death involved an adult resident of Virginia's Eastern Health Region, which includes areas in and around Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. No other information was provided about the person for patient confidentiality reasons, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

"Our thoughts are with the decedent’s family at this difficult time," said State Health Commissioner Colin Greene in a statement. "Mpox is a serious disease, especially for those with weakened immune systems. If you have been exposed to mpox or have symptoms consistent with the disease, we urge you to seek medical consultation now."

Monkeypox, also known as mpox, is a contagious rash illness similar to smallpox but with milder symptoms. Symptoms may include a rash that can initially look like pimples or blisters, fever, chills, swollen lymph codes, exhaustion, muscle aches, backache, headache, and respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat or cough, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, monkeypox spreads through close contact with an infected person. This close contact can include touching skin lesions, bodily fluids, or clothing or linens in contact with an infected person and prolonged face-to-face contact.

The health department says monkeypox infection is "painful but not life threatening" in most cases. Certain people, like those with weakened immune systems, HIV or AIDS are at risk of severe illness from monkeypox.

To date, there have been 558 monkeypox cases and 24 hospitalizations in Virginia. The week with the highest case count was Aug. 7 to 13 with 62 cases. During the most recent week of Nov. 20 to 26, three cases were reported.

For those who experience an unexplained new crash and symptoms of fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes, the health department recommends contacting a health care provider. Infected people should avoid close contact with others until the rash has fully been resolved, scabs done and a fresh later of skin formed.

People exposed to monkeypox are urged to get the monkeypox vaccine. The health department recommends getting the vaccine within four days of exposure for the best effectiveness, but it can be given up to 14 days after exposure. There have been 12,093 first doses and 8,641 second doses of the vaccine administered in Virginia.

The JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine is available to these eligible groups: people with an intermediate to high-risk exposure to a known monkeypox case within 14 days, people with anonymous or multiple sex partners within two weeks, people diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection within three months, people with HIV or AIDS, sex workers, staff at establishments where sexual activity occurs, and health care workers handling monkeypox specimens.

Those who are eligible for the monkeypox vaccine should contact their local health department. In Northern Virginia, the health departments are the Alexandria Health Department, Arlington County Health Department, Fairfax County Health Department, Loudoun County Health Department and Prince William County Health Department. In the Fredericksburg area, see the Rappahannock Area Health Department.

People seeking information on monkeypox vaccination and treatment may call the Virginia Department of Health call center (877-VAX-IN-VA/877-829-4682) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.