Monkeypox Outbreak

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Symptoms are similar to smallpox, but milder and rarely fatal.  If you have symptoms of Monkeypox, contact your primary care physician for testing. Fulton County Board of health also offers Walk-ins for testing, until 2 p.m. at our 10 Park Place location on the 5th floor. Please call (404)613-8150 to obtain screening for testing. 

Please do not show up to a health center until you follow this step.

We currently have limited availability for testing in our health center.
 
Note: Fulton County has administered over 4,000 vaccines to those at high risk as of August 18, 2022.

Monkeypox spreads in several ways including:
• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids 
• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, kissing or cuddling
• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
• Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed 
• The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks 
• People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others

Fulton County Board of Health will follow CDC recommendations and guidelines regarding the monkeypox vaccine
• Priority monkeypox vaccines will be distributed to people that are high risk of infection:
o People who are close personal contacts of people with monkeypox,
o Individuals who may have been exposed to monkeypox, 
o People who have increased risk of being exposed to the virus such as lab workers
• Individuals are urged to speak with their healthcare provider if they are in one of these groups. 
• Anyone with a rash that looks like monkeypox should talk to their healthcare provider, even if they don’t think they had contact with someone who has monkeypox.
• A person who is sick with monkeypox should isolate at home. If they have an active rash or other symptoms, they should be in a separate room or area from other family members and pets when possible.

Everyone should follow the steps for prevention and protection:
• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have close personal contact with someone with monkeypox
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

The CDC has published recommendations for reducing the chance of exposure to monkeypox during sexual and intimate social encounters, available here.

Monkeypox appointment Information:

Currently, demand for the Monkeypox vaccine is far greater than supply in Georgia and across the country. As vaccines are received, the Fulton County Board of Health is opening additional appointment availability. For updates on when appointments will open, please monitor Metro Atlanta area news outlets (and their websites), as well as Fulton County Board of Health’s Social media accounts including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.  Those who meet eligibility requirements can receive a vaccine in any county available. Your second dose must be within the same county of the first dose. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html

Georgia Department of Public Health: https://dph.georgia.gov/monkeypox