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Monkeypox outbreak: Infections rising in teens and young adults; nearly 1,300 cases in FL [1]

['Diane Rado', 'More From Author', '- August']

Date: 2022-08-15  

Monkeypox cases have risen to 1,266 in Florida, with more teens and young adults infected in several counties in the outbreak, according to data from the Florida Department of Health.

That said, the largest number of cases remain in South Florida, with 493 cases in Miami-Dade and 436 cases in Broward County. In all, 28 counties have one or more monkeypox cases, as of Monday.

A statewide briefing is scheduled Tuesday at 1 p.m., for a monkeypox update. It will be hosted by Dr. Ulyee Choe, director of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County.

Keep in mind that federal and global health organizations have stated that most cases occur in men who have sex with men, but anyone can contract the virus. The disease often causes a characteristic, painful rash and other symptoms that can last for weeks, including muscle aches, respiratory symptoms and chills.

Typically, the largest number of monkeypox cases in Florida have been in the age range of 30 to 34, 35 to 39 and 40 to 44.

But new cases have come at a time when K-12 schools have opened, and thousands of students and staff will begin classes this month at Florida’s universities and community colleges.

There are now eight monkeypox cases in the age group of 15 to 19, in Broward, Lee, Leon and Miami-Dade.

In the 20 to 24 age range, there are now 64 monkeypox cases, up from 43 cases just last week, the state data show. The 64 cases are in 14 counties: Broward, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Duval, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Sarasota and Seminole.

In the 25 to 29 age range, there are 159 monkeypox cases, up from 124 cases last week. The 159 cases are in 19 counties: Brevard, Broward, Duval, Flagler, Hillsborough, Lake, Leon, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Seminole, Volusia.

There is one case in Martin County, in the 0 to 4 age range.

The federal government on Aug. 4 declared a public health emergency over monkeypox, and in July, the World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency of international concern.

In Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis shut down the idea of declaring a state of emergency, but other states such as, New York, California and Illinois had declared a state of emergency due to the rise in cases.

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[1] Url: https://floridaphoenix.com/2022/08/15/monkeypox-outbreak-infections-rising-in-teens-and-young-adults-nearly-1300-cases-in-fl/

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