NewsDesk @bactiman63

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has identified a case of monkeypox in Maine, the first case reported in the state as part of a national and worldwide outbreak. The individual is a male resident of York County.

State of Maine
Maine
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A private lab conducted the initial testing that identified this case of monkeypox. Maine CDC is working to identify any others who may have been exposed and make vaccination available to any close contacts.

“While this is the first case of monkeypox identified in Maine, Maine CDC has been preparing for a case for several weeks given the international outbreak,”said Maine CDC Director Nirav D. Shah. “This disease is rare and the risk to the general public remains low. Maine CDC is working with the individual to identify close contacts and provide them access to vaccination.”

Maine has received a monkeypox vaccine called Jynneos from the federal government, with sufficient doses to vaccinate 311 people. Maine CDC is making the vaccine available to close contacts of identified cases as well as those at risk of transmitting monkeypox or becoming severely ill. Those who believe they may have been exposed or who have a new or unexplained rash or lesions should contact a health care provider to be evaluated, tested, and potentially referred to Maine CDC public health nursing for vaccination.

As of July 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 2,891 total confirmed monkeypox/orthopoxvirus cases from 43 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.