Four Boulder County residents have tested positive for the monkeypox virus, the health department reported Wednesday.
As of Tuesday, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment has reported 80 cases of the rare virus in Colorado.
“It’s important that everyone be aware of this disease, so that those at risk can seek medical care and get tested promptly if they believe they have been exposed or have symptoms,” said Dr. Lexi Nolen, Acting Executive Director at Boulder County Public Health.
Monkeypox does not easily spread between people with casual contact, the health department said in a release. Transmission can occur through contact with infectious spores and body fluids, contaminated items like clothing or bedding or through respiratory droplets associated with prolonged face-to-face contact.
Boulder County Public Health said for some people, monkeypox can feel like the flu at first. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion. Most people get a rash or skin bumps one to three days after they first start feeling sick, though some don’t feel any symptoms before they get a rash.
The health department said in many cases, monkeypox will resolve on its own without specific treatment after two to four weeks. Antiviral medications may be recommended for some people who develop more severe illness or have weakened immune systems.
Boulder County Public Health emphasized that anyone can get monkeypox and that the virus does not discriminate against any group.
To prevent the spread of monkeypox, the health department recommends the following:
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Minimize skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have been exposed to the virus or to those showing a rash or skin sores.
- Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that have been in direct contact with someone with monkeypox.
- Reach out to a health care provider if you develop symptoms, as early recognition and testing can help prevent further transmission.
Anyone with symptoms of monkeypox should contact a health care provider as soon as possible, avoid close contact with others, wear a mask, cover any skin lesions or sores and notify the provider before you arrive to seek care.
Boulder County Public Health said it is closely monitoring the situation and working with state and local partners to implement a response plan. The department is working with community partners Beacon Center for Infectious Diseases, Boulder County AIDS Project, Out Boulder County, El Centro Amistad and the Center for People with Disabilities to ensure testing and access to vaccines.
The health department is co-hosting a virtual information session Aug. 10 on Zoom to share information on the monkeypox virus, transmission and treatment. Register to attend at https://boco.org/9ejlpE. A live stream link will be available on the day of the event.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is leading the state’s vaccination strategy. Due to the limited federal supply of the Jynneos vaccine, the state is currently prioritizing access to anyone who believes they have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox in the last 14 days, men over 18 who are gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days.
