There were 73 presumptive monkeypox cases in Shelby County as of Friday, September 23rd, according to the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD). Earlier in August, the Shelby County Health Department reported four monkeypox cases within the county.
Monkeypox, which is a rare disease caused by an infection of the monkeypox virus, is part of the same family of viruses which causes smallpox, according to SCHD.
Despite how infectious the disease can be, some residents said they weren’t shocked by the outbreak.
“I was shocked but not surprised when I first heard of monkeypox,” said chemist-analyst, Ndoricimpaye Leya. “I am still practicing social distancing and wearing my mask for time to time and being mindful that these viruses are still out there.”
So far, 877 Shelby County residents have received at least one dose of the two-dose series of monkeypox vaccinations, according to the SCHD.
Amy Alaina, Human Resources adminstrator at AirToGround Services, said that the pandemic prompted her company to increase the amount of cleaning supplies in the workplace, and they are ready to keep using those procedures. However, she believes that monkeypox won’t have the same impact as Covid-19.
“I don’t think monkeypox will warrant the same measures, because to my understanding, the symptoms of monkeypox will go away on their own,” said Alaina.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and respiratory symptoms, according to the health department.
“It was overwhelming hearing about monkeypox when Covid hasn’t been eliminated,” said Leya. “To keep my head-space clear, I continue to be mindful of my health and I’m staying up to date with the CDC guidelines.”
Health experts say monkey pox symptoms are like smallpox but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal — and not related to chickenpox.
“Covid opened our eyes to a number of things,” Alaina said. “Some things I was already doing as far as keeping things tidy and clean. But I am not going to let this virus, or any other virus stop me from doing the things that I love.”
The Shelby County Health Department is offering appointments for the monkeypox vaccination during the following evening and weekend hours at its 814 Jefferson headquarters:
• Monday and Wednesday, October 3rd and 5th, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Monday and Wednesday, October 17th and 19th, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Monday and Wednesday, October 24th and 26th, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Monday and Wednesday, October 31st and November 2nd, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Appointments will be available between 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 22nd and October 29th.Those who meet the current criteria for vaccination may sign up for an appointment here.
