TEXAS – Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins confirmed that they have opened the helpline for all those who need information about vaccines against monkeypox.
The number that people must dial is the 972-692-2780. According to Judge Jenkins, the department has received quite a few calls but they ask that you keep calling if they don’t answer right away.
“You must provide your information to the staff and the vaccine division will call you back to schedule your appointment, if you are eligible,” the judge added.
Similarly, Jenkins explained that they do not have many vaccines available and can only be offered to people who meet one of the following:
- People who have had intimate, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has tested positive for monkeypox.
- Men over the age of 18 who have had sex with men who have had multiple partners or anonymous encounters in the last 14 days.
- If you suspect that you are at high risk, you are asked to call the helpline at 972-692-2780. You can also visit the following county website.
As of August 2, 2022, the Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has confirmed 175 cases and 21 possible cases of monkeypox.
Previously, DCHHS indicated the following through a statement:
“The threat of monkeypox to the general population in Dallas County remains low. Monkeypox is rare and does not spread easily between people without local, personal, or skin-to-skin contact.
Men who have sex with men and who are involved in high-risk sexual activities make up a large portion of the cases identified so far. However, the risk is not limited to the LGBTQ community and anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk.
The monkeypox vaccine is in short supply and is only offered to those who have had skin-to-skin contact with a confirmed case of monkeypox.”.
Monkeypox virus belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox, smallpox. The two viruses have similar symptoms, including fever, headaches, muscle aches, chills, exhaustion, and lesions that start in one place and spread throughout the body.
Monkeypox is usually milder than smallpox and can also cause swollen lymph nodes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The virus is spread through close and prolonged contact with monkeypox sores, contaminated surfaces, or body fluids, including respiratory droplets. To read more about what monkeypox is, you can press here.
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