The Cumberland County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first case of monkeypox in Cumberland County.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first case of monkeypox in Cumberland County.
The individual who tested positive is currently isolating and close contacts have been notified. To protect patient privacy, no additional information about the individual will be shared.
As of August 1, 2022, there have been 5,189 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United States per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are currently 60 confirmed cases in North Carolina. Cumberland County Department of Public Health continues to work with federal, state and other local partners to investigate and monitor the current national outbreak and its impacts locally.
Cumberland County Department of Public Health is scheduling vaccination appointments for individuals who meet eligibility criteria to receive Jynneos, a vaccine that has been found to prevent monkeypox illness or lead to less severe symptoms in individuals recently exposed to monkeypox. Because of very limited supply, vaccinations in North Carolina are currently only offered to individuals with known or suspected exposure to monkeypox.
“The time is now. We urge those who meet the criteria to be vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Dr. Jennifer Green, Health Director. “We will continue to be diligent in monitoring the monkeypox spread in our county and provide testing for those who may be experiencing symptoms.”
Individuals may call the Health Department at 910-433-3600 to request a vaccination appointment if they meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- People who have been in close physical contact in the last 14 days with someone diagnosed with monkeypox
- People who know their sexual partner was diagnosed with monkeypox
- Men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals, who report any of the following in the last 90 days:
- Having multiple or anonymous sex partners
- Being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection
- Receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Vaccines are free, regardless of insurance status. Individuals will not receive a bill for the vaccine. If you have health insurance, the Health Department will bill your health insurance only with your consent.
Anyone can get monkeypox. If you have an unexplained rash, sores or other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Keep the rash covered and avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been evaluated by a medical provider. Testing is available at the Cumberland County Health Department for eligible individuals by appointment only. Individuals can call 910-433-3600 to request an appointment for testing.
To learn more about monkeypox, go to the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website at https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/monkeypox.html#.