State experts say monkeypox cases will continue to increase

PUEBLO, Colo.(KRDO)-- Thursday, Colorado health experts met over zoom to discuss monkeypox outbreaks. According to the statewide monkeypox case count, there are more than 160 monkeypox cases in colorado, and two of those were in Pueblo.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Denver Health, Connie Savor Price, said health experts are taking the monkeypox virus very seriously.

"I think there's reason for concern for Monkeypox because we're seeing an increase in infections. But the reason we're concerned and paid attention is that we have an opportunity that I think was much greater than we had with COVID to actually control it," said Price.

However, state experts acknowledge that Monkeypox is very different then covid.

"Monkeypox is not as transmissible as COVID, and it seems unlikely that it would evolve to be that way. It's a very different virus. It's a DNA virus, not an RNA virus. And those do not mutate and change as rapidly. It also takes a lot longer from the time exposure to develop an infection," said Price

State health experts have released new data on their website. The latest data includes demographics, vaccine administration, where to get tested, and much more.

State health experts are hopeful that more vaccines will come to Colorado. The federal government has supplied 3,546 does to providers, but the vaccine is still limited. The state is partnering with community organizations to promote community clinics.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Enviroment(CDPHE), those who currently qualify for expanded post-exposure vaccination are:

• Anyone aged 18 years and older has had close physical contact with someone who has Monkeypox in the last 14 days.
• Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, or transgender, non-binary, or gender-diverse people aged 18 years and older who: 
  • Have you had multiple sexual partners in the last 14 days, or 
  • Have had sexual partners they did not previously know in the last 14 days, or
  • Have had close physical contact with other people in a venue where anonymous or group sex may occur.
• Anyone identified by public health as a known high-risk contact of someone who has Monkeypox. 

However, the vaccine is not readily available for those living in Pueblo. According to CDPHE, the nearest vaccine provider is in the Denver area.

"We are prioritizing that vaccine to the places where we are seeing the largest amount of community spread and where the need is the need is the greatest," said Scott Bookman,  Director of the Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response.

According to the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, they're meeting regularly to discuss plans to spread awareness about Monkeypox and its community resources.