Public Health Issues

Monkeypox

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health authorities are investigating confirmed and probable cases of Mpox (in the orthopoxvirus genus) throughout multiple states. Click here to learn more. The Frederick County Health Department is monitoring the emerging public health issue and taking action for local public health preparedness. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant for the possibility of human Mpox virus infection and be ready to identify possible cases, isolate them, and test for the virus.

General information about signs, symptoms, and resources like fact sheets can be found here.

Instructions

Local healthcare providers should immediately report any suspected cases of Mpox ore residents who have had exposure to a probable/confirmed Mpox case to the Frederick County Health Department:

• Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm: fax a completed Maryland State Form 1140 Morbidity Report Form to the Communicable Disease (CD) office at 301-600-1403 AND CALL the CD office at 301-600-3342.
• After-hours/weekend reporting: Call the Frederick County after hours emergency line at 301-600-0312 to be connected to the health department official clinical member on call. Please be prepared with the following details: symptoms and date of onset; history of any animal bites or scratches; any close contacts with any individuals known or suspected to have Mpox; sexual history; and smallpox vaccination status.

Labs

• Commercial labs:  Quest, LabCorp, Sonic, Aegis, Mayo
• Maryland Department of Health  (MDH)
  • 2 Dry swabs (one for MDH, one for CDC if needed)
  • 1 VTM swab (for reflex testing if negative)

Resources

• Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
  • Maryland Monkeypox resource page
  • MDH Clinician Letter (August 5, 2022) 
  • MDH Laboratories Administration Specimen Submission Guidance (June 17, 2022)
  • MDH Clinician Letter (May 19, 2022)
• CDC
  • CDC COCA: Situational Update for Clinicians about Severe Monkeypox Virus Infections Oct. 6, 2022
  • CDC information for health professionals
  • CDC resource: Mpox Equity Toolkit
  • CDC Dear Colleague Letter: Pain Management Recommendations (July 27, 2022)
  • CDC Health Alert Network Advisory: Case-finding Guidance (June 14, 2022)
  • CDC Health Alert Network Advisory: Monkeypox Virus Infections in Non-endemic Countries (May 20, 2022)
  • Monkeypox Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Calls – These live and archived webinars include relevant and timely information on emerging health threats and public health emergencies.
  • Clinical Guidance for Managing Patients with Monkeypox – This resource includes clinical recognition, considerations for people with HIV, isolation and prevention practices, and clinical treatment.
  • Infection Control – This guidance includes specific Monkeypox infection control for healthcare settings, control at home, and at autopsy and human remains.
  • Preventing the spread of Monkeypox – These resources include information on the prevention of spread in various settings, household disinfection, and managing pets and Monkeypox.
  • Information for Health Departments – This set of webpages includes information for health departments on the U.S. outbreak, including reporting cases, considerations for vaccination, and additional resources.
  • Health Equity Guiding Principles for Inclusive Communications – This guide provides information on developing inclusive communications and using a health equity lens. It includes key principles for inclusive communications and a discussion of preferred terms.

Update from Frederick County Medical Officer:

• October 6, 2022
• August 4, 2022
• July 7, 2022