To further expand access to important public health information, the Washington State Department of Health has launched a new, interactive monkeypox (MPV) data dashboard.
The dashboard features data including:
-Case counts at the state and county levels
-Total weekly case counts
-Case information by sex at birth
-Age groups of people who have MPV
DOH is working to expand the dashboard to include race and ethnicity data of the communities most affected by the monkeypox virus, along with vaccination distribution information. It will be updated every Tuesday and Thursday.
“MPV cases are decreasing across our state, but this outbreak isn’t over yet. Access to information is critical for people to properly assess their risk factors and protect themselves,” said Umair A. Shah, secretary of health for the DOH. “In addition to vaccination and prevention efforts, this new dashboard is another tool Washingtonians can use to stay healthy and informed.”
The DOH says it is important for individuals to know their risks for MPV and how to protect themselves. MPV is usually spread through close skin-to-skin contact with a person with an infectious rash. It can also be spread touching objects, fabrics and surfaces that have been used by someone with MPV and contact with respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
If you have an unexplained rash, the DOH says to cover it, avoid skin-to-skin contact with others, and see a health care provider to determine what testing and treatment is needed.
If you’ve been exposed to someone with MPV, contact a health provider or your local health jurisdiction to discuss whether you are eligible for vaccination.
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